Zenwatch 2: A full featured Android Wear watch that won’t break the bank
Wearable technology has taken a little longer than expected to get off the ground in terms of adoption rate. Even Apple’s Watch has been a let down for investors and many have given up on the wearable technology as a major area for financial growth. Until now, Android Wear devices have been rather expensive, lacking in design, or leaving much to desire in terms of features.
ASUS has made it much easier to adopt wearable technology with the Zenwatch 2 as its starting price is an affordable $129.00. And just because it is over half of the price of competitors, like the Moto 360 2nd generation and the Huawei Watch, it doesn’t lack in design and runs the same full featured software in Android Wear.
Design
The ASUS Zenwatch 2 comes in two sizes, the larger size measures in at 49.6mm and the smaller is 42mm. Rather than being circular, the watch is a rectangular shape with a metal case, matte plastic rear cover, with a thoughtfully placed and designed button on the right side of the watch. My particular model, the W1501Q(49.6mm) came with a textured dark blue leather wrist band, graphite colored case with a slightly rose colored gold button.
Being a rectangle with a 1.63″ AMOLED display, the Zenwatch 2 does have decent sized bezels to the screen. I actually do not think the bezels look bad – if there were no bezels the watch would be too small for me. If the display was maximized to the edges, it might be too bright for me and would be a distraction. The resolution is 320 x 320, or 278ppi which is barely low enough resolution to see pixels if you look for them.
Sporting an AMOLED display, the colors are rich and the contrast ratio is perfect as blacks blend in with the bezels of the display.
A nice feature that ASUS factored into the Asus Zenwatch 2 is using a standard 22mm quick-release band which means you can swap your wrist band with ones commonly found on other watches. If you want to make it sporty, you can add a rubber wrist band, or if you want to make it more industrial looking, throw on a dark metal link band.
The charging cable is a proprietary magnetic four pin connector which you must have in order to charge the watch. It also comes with an IP67 rating which means the Zenwatch 2 is dust-proof and can withstand 30 minutes of water exposure up to 3ft deep. And that does not cover salt water.
Software
The ASUS Zenwatch 2 uses the same software that the LG Urbane, Moto 360 2nd generation, Huawei Watch, and the Tag Heuer Connected watch use – Android Wear. Android Wear is Google’s software that seamlessly integrates with most Android smartphones.
Android Wear does require you to download the Android Wear app, which will allow for these functions:
-Check important info like who’s calling, SMS and messages, and alerts from your favorite apps. You can even speak or draw a quick response right from your watch.
-Get built-in fitness monitoring and coaching from your favorite running and fitness apps: Endomondo, Google Fit, Runkeeper, Strava, and more. -Track your steps, distance, and calories while you walk, run, or ride your bike. And even measure your heart rate.
– Save time with smart help from Google. Get reminders from Google Now about your next appointment, current traffic conditions, flight status, restaurant reservation, and more. Speak “Ok Google” to ask any question you want.
-Pursue your passions with Google Maps, Foursquare, Google Play Music, Shazam, WhatsApp, and thousands more of your favorite Android apps.
The beauty of the Asus Zenwatch 2 is being priced starting at $129, it runs the same software as the $300 Huawei Watch and the $1500 Tag Heuer Connected watch. So extra money doesn’t get extra software features in this case.
And like all other Android Wear Watches, Asus does provide watch faces designed just for the Zenwatch 2. And just recently, my watch was updated with Christmas themed watch faces, which actually is a cute and thoughtful addition. Christmas themed watch faces aren’t necessarily my style, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate them. Of course, you are free to download and install new watch faces from the Google Play Store as well.
Usage
I’ve been fortunate to have access to a selection of Android Wear devices – The original Moto 360, Huawei Watch, LG Urbane 2nd Edition, Lg G Watch R, Lg G Watch, and now the Asus Zenwatch 2. Having access to a variety of watches gives me a better ability to compare hardware since the software is the same across the watches. Watches for me, as much as I hate to admit this, need to look “good”. They are almost always visible and I really don’t want to wear something that looks “dorky”. That’s a very personal and subjective matter and everyone’s tolerance for “dorky” is different.
With that being said, I actually find the reasonably priced Zenwatch 2 to look very nice and classy. Sure you can tell it is a smartwatch when wearing it, but with the dark blue real leather watchband, the metal case and glossy display look very nice. And what really sets it off is that slightly rose colored button off to the side. Even though Asus didn’t break the bank with the hardware, you can tell they made aesthetics a top priority. There’s even a part of me that finds the Zenwatch 2 to be more “dressy” than the Huawei Watch(metal band) and definitely more dressy than the Moto 360.
Cartier luxury watch.
Lots of people have been balking at the idea of a rectangular smartwatch, but there are many watch makers who make similar shaped watches. If you’ve heard of Cartier, they have been making jewelry and watches since 1847 and was originally founded in France. Cartier watches regularly run into the four to five digit price range, and rectangles have been a signature shape of its watches. Most watch enthusiasts can spot a Cartier from quite a distance based on shape alone. So a watch doesn’t have to be round to look good. In fact, I would take a box shaped watch any day over the flat tire look of the Moto 360. I have NEVER seen a real watch with some of its face missing. Why people find the flat tire look acceptable is beyond me.
The “flat tire” is where Moto houses its sensors.
If a watch looks good to me, the next most important factor is comfort. The Zenwatch 2 is every bit as comfortable as almost any watch I’ve worn of its size. The genuine leather band feels silky smooth, and the watch itself is the perfect size for my wrist. It might be a tad large for people with smaller wrists.
It also has a good sized display which is perfect for my aging eyes. I would rank the Zenwatch 2 near the top of Android Wear watches in terms of comfort. It also doesn’t “feel” cheap like the LG G Watch R or the LG G Watch.
Performance wise the Zenwatch 2 is as snappy as the others. It is powered by a Snapdragon 400, has 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory and has a 400mAh battery. Covering the display is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, which should withstand minor bumps and scratches. The face definitely isn’t as durable as the Huawei Watch’s Sapphire display, but if you take care of your Zenwatch 2, the display should hold up fine. If it is worn on your wrist, you really shouldn’t have to worry about dropping it and cracking the screen.
Battery Life
Even though the Asus Zenwatch 2 comes with a decent sized 400mAh battery, which is 25% more than the Huawei Watch, I couldn’t seem to get more than one full day of use out of it. There are many others who have told me that they think the battery on their Zenwatch 2 is fantastic, regularly getting two full days of use, but even with settings on the “Always-on screen” to off, I just didn’t have good battery life.
My Huawei Watch and LG Urbane 2nd Edition both get much better battery life, but one full days use is still acceptable. I just wish I could leave my display set to always on. That’s a personal preference though.
Summary
I was pleasantly surprised with the Asus Zenwatch 2. Before the Asus Zenwatch 2, I had been let down by almost Android Wear devices. In concept and looks they weren’t bad, but most of them looked cheap, felt cheap and were clearly first generation products. It’s why I think wearables were considered a bust in the first year with the vast majority of users. Also, many Android Wear watches were quite expensive, and with phones already in the $500-800 range, dropping another $300 was out of the question for most.
With the Zenwatch 2 starting at $129.00, it makes investing in wearables much easier. $129 is still a decent amount of money, but it isn’t $300 like the first generation Moto 360, or the current starting price of the Huawei Watch. At a more affordable price, it also makes swallowing the limited features of a smartwatch a bit easier to swallow.
Smartwatches still don’t make phone calls, they aren’t able to fully function without a connected smartphone, and they are terrible for doing anything more than basic functions. But they still have a place – they tell time, track activity, send texts and basic emails, search using Google Now, and are a great way to check notifications. People are finally starting to see the value in smartwatches with high quality examples like the Zenwatch 2. In just one year, Asus has proven that Android Wear has a place on your wrist.
Specs
- Processor –Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- Operating System- Android Wear
- Memory – 512 MB RAM
- Storage – 4GB eMMC Flash
- Display – AMOLED 1.63″
320×320,
278ppi Touch Display - Sensor- 6-Axis (A+G) with Sensor-hub
- Audio – Built-in microphone
- Battery – 400mAh
- Features- Cover Lens: 2.5D curved Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Water Resistance: IP67
Communication: Bluetooth 4.1+WiFi - Dimensions – 1.95 x 1.6 x 0.37 inch (LxWxH) ~ 10.9 mm
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Amazon makes it easier to read its Fire tablets at night
Soon you’ll be able to fall asleep with Amazon’s Fire tablets and still get a restful night’s sleep. Starting today, Amazon is rolling out a new “Blue Shade” feature that turns down blue light on its tablets’ screens, making them more comfortable to read at night. And honestly, it’s about time. Scientists have been saying for some time that the blue light emitted by our devices’ screens wreaks havoc on our sleep habits (some are calling for similar night modes for phones). It’s for that same reason that I can’t even use a computer these days without installing something like Flux, which warms up screen colors at night. Amazon says you’ll be able to tweak Blue Shade’s color settings as you see fit, and it also lets you read at an “ultra-low” brightness level.
Amazon wants augmented reality to be headset-free
Augmented reality (AR) isn’t all headsets and funny glasses. Amazon wants to turn it into something that you can interact with in your living room, judging by a couple of the company’s recently approved patents. The “object tracking” patent shows how a system of projectors and cameras could beam virtual images onto real objects, and track your hand while you interact with them. The other, called “reflector-based depth mapping,” would use a projector to transform your room into a kind of holodeck, mapping the depth of objects and bodies in a room.
Via: Bloomberg
Why 2016 will be the year of the Chinese, unlocked budget smartphone
Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, and Motorola are all Android names we are all very familiar with. Those tech giants have been making our phones for quite a few years, and have been charging us an arm and a leg for flagship devices, which typically last anywhere from one to three years if you’re lucky. Flagship devices from these manufacturers can cost as low as $450 and can go as high as $850 depending on where you buy them from.
LG’s flagship V10. $599 to $699
In general, most of them perform the same functions since they are all based on Google’s Android platform. And they all keep us pretty happy. Sure there are differences that justify cost differences, and for the most part, most smartphone enthusiasts will always create a market for high-end smartphones. Smartphones are no different than cars – some will prefer sports cars from the likes of Porsche and Ferrari, while other will prefer luxury from Mercedes and Audi. For the vast majority of people, they will stick to their GM, Toyota and Ford made vehicles opting to save a little bit of money in features they do not need. At the end of the day, all cars serve to provide a means of transportation.
Flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Note5, the LG V10, Moto X Pure, HTC One, and the Sony Xperia Z5 premium are all fantastic devices. They all have high-end processors, super clear and colorful displays up to 4k resolution, fantastic speakers and software features that other mid-range and budget phones do not have. And for many of us enthusiasts, we will ALWAYS buy flagship devices, as we really love technology and maximize our usage from these devices. There is no argument from me that there is value in these flagships. But…
What do most of us use our phones for?
There is a good amount of people who need flagship devices to keep up with their lifestyles. But there are more people who simply use smartphones for phone calls, text messaging, scheduling, social media, photos, email, internet browsing, shopping, and basic gaming. All of the flagship devices do all of those tasks with ease.
The things we hoped smartphones would do, like replace desktop computers simply is not happening and probably won’t happen anytime soon. Whether we have a two year old Nexus 5, Galaxy Note5, or brand new LG V10 all Android devices perform the basics.
The difference in internal hardware is becoming less obvious
A couple of years ago it was very easy to pick up on the differences between phones with big V12 engines like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, versus the first four cylinder powered Moto G. The Moto G was terrible at gaming, didn’t get LTE data reception, had a very basic camera, and had a poor to average looking display.
1st generation Moto G
The Note 3, on the other hand, had a great looking OLED 1080p display, Snapdragon 800, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of memory, a 3200mAh battery, and a 13MP rear camera. The 2013 Moto G on the other hand had a 720p display, Snapdragon 400, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of memory, 2070mAh battery and a measly 5MP rear camera. The differences in hardware back in 2013 were significant and the price difference justified the performance. Keep in mind the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was four times more costly than the Moto G.
Note 3
Fast forward to 2015, and compare the Samsung Galaxy Note5 to the Letv 1s. Yeah I know you probably haven’t heard of Letv, but there’s a good chance you didn’t hear of Huawei until this year too. Only until the Nexus 6P did many people in the U.S. take Huawei seriously, even though they had been dominating in China for some time now. They’re a major part of the reason why Samsung’s profits have been on the decline recently.
Both the Letv 1s and the Note5 have octa-core processors and 32GB of internal memory. Yes the processors are made by two different manufacturers, but the difference in processors is slim in real world performance. Both devices have beautiful and durable build quality, with the Letv 1s being made in all metal, and the Galaxy Note5 being a combination of glass and metal. The Letv 1s also comes with the latest USB type-C standard found on the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and OnePlus 2. Both smartphones have a fingerprint reader and both currently run Android 5.1. The major differences are the Note 5 has a 16MP rear camera, 2k display and 4GB of RAM, whereas the Letv 1s has a 13MP camera, 1080p display and 3GB of RAM. The biggest difference between the two, is the Letv 1s comes fully unlocked at $180 whereas the Note5 comes in at $750. That’s quite a price difference.
The cost of phone insurance is extremely high
One of the biggest scams in the U.S. mobile industry is smartphone insurance. Most of us cannot afford to replace a $750 phone if we were to drop it or get it wet, so we rely on insurance to get us out of a jam. There are many companies who offer phone insurance. Why? Because they make lots of money on insurance plans. No company would exist if they lost money.
Let’s take a look at Best Buy’s Geek Squad insurance program.
$7.99 per month for insurance actually doesn’t seem too expensive, especially when it covers drops, spill and cracks. But when you factor in the deductible cost of $149.99 per incident on phones up to $800, a new display can cost $150 plus $7.99 in the first month of ownership. If you purchase the insurance and use it 11 months into owning your device, to replace a cracked display, the cost of that protection now is $88($7.99 x 11 months) plus the $149.99 deductible for a grand total of $233. Worse yet, do not use the insurance over two years, and you just paid $192($8 x 24 months) for peace of mind! That peace of mind is more expensive than a brand new and unlocked Letv 1s.
The total cost of ownership for a Samsung Galaxy Note5 over two years with insurance is close to $1000 with taxes. The total cost one Letv smartphone without insurance (no need to buy insurance if it is more expensive than the phone) is five times less expensive. You could spend that $800 in savings on an Android Wear smartwatch of your choice, headphones, wireless speakers, or better yet your child’s college education. Heck, if you want, buy one Letv 1s this year, and buy the upgraded version next year, and you’ll still have an extra $600 in your pocket if we can assume the next generation stays under $200.
Budget smartphones don’t need insurance and you can even make an argument that they don’t even need a screen protector nor cell phone case which is additional savings.
Keep in mind, almost all phones comes with a one year warranty which protects against manufacturer defects. They just don’t cover accidental damage or loss with those warranties.
Regardless of how you buy your phone, through financing or on a two-year contract, you will pay the full price for the device. Cellular providers use confusion to build in costs.
T Mobile has shaken up the cellular industry in many ways, and one of the most significant ways was by blowing up the two-year contract. AT&T and Verizon have contributed to making cell phone plans very confusing through gimmicks such as the two-year contract. The two-year contract offered expensive flagship phones for prices of $200 or less with the actual retail prices being close to $750. Many consumers were fooled into believing a two-year commitment was enough to justify the discounted price of the smartphone.
AT&T and Verizon were not giving the phones away at $500+ discounts out of the kindness of their hearts – they were simply hiding the fees of the phones in other ways. Rather than charge a customer directly for the full price of a smartphone, Verizon and AT&T would, and still do charge higher fees for a “connection.”
For example, let’s buy a Samsung Galaxy Note5 through AT&T.
There are three options to choose from the first of which is buying outright for $739.99 plus tax. Buying outright qualifies the customer to a $25 discount of their smartphone plan. Total cost of the smartphone is $739.99 plus taxes.
The second option is paying $24.67 for 30 months on the Next plan with a $25 monthly discount on your bill, or paying $249.99 down without the $25 discount for 24 months. $24.67 over 30 months works out to be $740.01, but the $25 discount that applies to your bill is given as a “connection fee” discount which normally costs $40 per month. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can read the fine print at at&t.com.
Lastly you can buy the Note5 on a two-year contract for $249.99, plus tax on the full retail value, plus a $45 upgrade fee, and you lose the $25 discount over those 24 months. The cost excluding taxes, since taxes are applicable to all three methods is $845. So you actually pay more when you sign a two-year contract since you lose the $25 per month discount on service.
The take home message, is no matter how you buy a new smartphone, whether being on a two-year contract, or financing the device through the Next program, you will pay the full price of the phone. Again you don’t have to take my word for it, just read the fine print in your contract. If you have an attorney who represents you, I suggest you have him/her read the fine print and explain it to you, because it truly is confusing.
T-Mobile exposed the nature of hidden fees, but that just opened the door for unlocked smartphones.
The problem with unlocked budget smartphones is there are very few trustworthy reviews
The big manufacturers of smartphones like LG and Samsung have been sending reviewers test units for many years now. New and upcoming Chinese smartphone manufacturers don’t have the same budgets that the big players do, and every dollar counts. It’s why OnePlus created the dreaded invite system, so that they don’t over produce smartphones and have to sell them at a loss later.
Profit margins are slim when you make devices under $200. Chinese smartphone manufacturers have to adhere to strict budgets and have not sent U.S. tech reviewers many phones to review. They also do not have a presence in U.S. stores like Best Buy, Frys, or even AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile stores. And many tech reviewers are so spoiled by getting free review units that they won’t spend their own money on unlocked review units. Plus it is a lot more fun to review a full fledged flagship than a sub $200 smartphone.
Many people who buy smartphones come to websites like ours to get unbiased reviews. Without trustworthy reviews, it’s hard to trust a company you have never heard of and I don’t blame you.
Why 2016 will be the year of the unlocked smartphone
Most importantly hardware differentiation between budget and flagship devices are becoming more and more difficult to realize as a user. There is a good chance many of you have not used the latest budget smartphones from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Letv, Huawei(excluding the Nexus 6P), Doogee(who?), Bluboo, Meizu, Elephone and Ulefone. There’s more than that too. You may have read about them and have been intrigued by Chinese budget devices, but without having the ability to see one for yourself in person, you probably have not pulled the trigger on actually buying one.
Recently I have had the pleasure of using a couple of these unlocked devices under $200 and they have run Android 5.0 or 5.1, work with LTE on AT&T, and most importantly they can keep up with my needs. I consider myself a power user(subjective of course). By power user, I mean I text frequently, make phone calls, browse the internet, watch movies, play games, email, take pictures and more.
I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that budget phones from China are incredibly well built, use high-end materials, have great displays, have high megapixel cameras, and are very snappy when it comes to performance.
All metal Letv 1s sub $200 unlocked.
As you readers become more educated in the hidden fees of cell phone ownership, and Chinese manufacturers start to enter the U.S. market, many of you will start experimenting with these devices and spreading the word like wildfire that these phones are highly capable of being daily drivers. I have made a commitment to buy at least four to six devices under $300 from Chinese manufacturers with my own money so I can provide high quality reviews. And to prove my reviews true, I will be giving away each phone after I review it to one lucky reader who can validate or invalidate what I said in my review.
My first two reviews will be of the ASUS Zenfone 2(I know, it is more well known, but I wanted to start with an established brand) and will follow up with the Doogee F5.
Doogee F5
If I’m lucky, many Chinese manufacturers will see the value in my reviews and will maybe provide me with review units at cost or free which means more free devices for you too.
But take my word for it that 2016 will be the year of the unlocked, Chinese budget smartphone. Come back in 2017 and let me know if I’m wrong. Huawei already proved they can build one of the best Android devices by offering us the Nexus 6P, now the doors are wide open for Xiaomi, Letv, Doogee, Meizu and the others to flood the U.S. market with affordable devices that can withstand daily usage. Watch out Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola – you have a giant target on your back.
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Best tech gifts under $250 (2015 holiday guide)
Finding a good gift for that special someone with a tech inclination is no easy feat. And it’s not only a matter of preference; there’s plenty of lackluster gadgets out there you really don’t want to buy. Then there are the obviously good gifts that happen to cost a fortune. Where are the options that won’t necessarily break the bank and are worth your cash?
We already gave you a list of our favorite gifts under $50 and $100. Now it’s time to step up the game and curate a list of products under $250 for those who have a higher budget or want to treat a special someone to a nicer gift. This post includes smartphones, wearables, tablet, media streamers, Chromebooks, headphones, cameras, speakers and more. Pretty exciting stuff, right? Let’s get right to the goods!
Smartphones
Moto G
Motorola may no longer be the only one making affordable handsets that are actually good, but they sure started a trend and the Moto G series continues to offer some of the best value around. The latest version (3rd generation/2015) Moto G is currently only $219 off-contract and unlocked. That would be for the higher-end version, by the way.
And it’s no weakling. This phone can handle most casual tasks thanks to its modest, yet very capable specs. This little phone sports a 5-inch 720p display, a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 13 MP rear-facing camera, a 5 MP front shooter and a 2470 mAh battery. You could also opt for the cheaper $176.85 version, which has half the RAM and internal storage.
Buy the Moto G (2015) for $219.99!
ASUS ZenFone 2
We told you the Moto G was no longer alone in the battle for the best affordable handset, and one of its closest competitors is definitely the ASUS ZenFone 2. Be sure this is no bad contender. It’s actually a favorite among Android fans, thanks to its accessible price, good size, awesome build quality, vivid screen and more. To be honest, this is the affordable handset I recommend the most, these days.
The only things we complained about during our review were battery life, average camera quality and a weak speaker. But come on, the phone is only $199, and it makes up for those caveats in plenty other areas.
Buy the ASUS ZenFone 2 for $199!
See also: Best cheap Android phones (October 2015)
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is more expensive than the smartphones listed above, but it’s for good reasons. This phone is worth every penny you will spend on it! Especially for those of you who like larger handsets, as this big guy’s screen measures in at 5.5 inches. It’s also more powerful thanks to its Snapdragon 615 processor.
Other specs include 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 13 MP rear camera, an 8 MP front camera and a nice 2910 mAh battery. By the way, I happen to love this phone’s attractive, slim and strong design. It will take care of all casual tasks and even some gaming. Furthermore, those front-facing speakers make it sound much better than many other devices (even more expensive ones).
Buy the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 for $249.99!
See also: Best Android phones (November 2015)
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
LG Watch Urbane
Once we hit the $250 price point much better wearables start showing up on the list. Of course we will list Android Wear devices here, and the LG Watch Urbane is one of our favorites. This thing is beautiful, has a great battery life, good performance and a classic look that will match even the most elegant suits. It’s one of the best Android wear devices around, and that price point really shows it.
Customers will have to pay $242.79 right now, but it’s worth it for the user who wants a high tech smartwatch without sacrificing on looks. Whoever said high-tech watches had to be ugly?
Buy the LG Watch Urbane for $242.79!
ASUS ZenWatch 2
LG’s smartwatch may be better looking to some, but the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is definitely not ugly. And considering it’s about $100 less, we know many of you will much rather go with ASUS for your wearable needs.
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 has a great battery life, a fast magnetic charger, different sizes and good performance. Our only complaint is that its bezels are pretty large, just like its predecessor’s. Otherwise, it’s one hell of an Android Wear product!
Buy the ASUS ZenWatch 2 for $149.99!
Pebble Time
I am a loyal Pebble user, and it’s mainly for one reason – battery life. Thanks to its e-paper display, these wearables are able to last nearly a week on a single charge! That’s simply unheard of in the Android Wear world, at least so far. I also happen to like that the UI is simpler and does less things. This is mostly a notification device, and though it can do a few other things, it doesn’t go overboard with fancy animations and gimmicks. What it does, it does very well. And it just so happens to do everything I need it to.
The newer Pebble Time happens to come with a color display, too, which is definitely a plus. The team has also included voice input, new software, more app storage and performance improvements.
Pebble Time Steel
And if you want to get fancy, you can also go for a Pebble Time Steel. This is pretty much a Pebble Time made with quality materials. It’s also worth more, though.
Buy the Pebble Time Steel for $249.99!
Fitbit Surge
Fitbit‘s activity trackers are very popular, but only those who really care about their performance will go for the Fitbit Surge. This wearable can track your steps, monitor your sleep and display call & text notifications. It has even been upgraded with a heart-rate monitor and GPS. Not to mention that 5-day battery life, which will also keep you active without being tethered to an outlet all the time.
Buy the Fitbit Surge for $240.99!
Fitbit Charge HR
We know the Fitbit Surge can be a bit of an overkill, but some of you still want a good activity tracker from the same manufacturer. The Fitbit Charge HR costs only $139.97, only sacrificing the heart-rate monitor and GPS. It also has a smaller screen, but does manage to take care of all the other features. Yes, even call & text notifications. Oh, and it does last a little longer (7-day battery life).
Buy the Fitbit Charge HR for $139.97!
Withings Activite Pop
What I love about the Withings Activite Pop is that it has this classic look that will match any style. Its appearance is just like that of a regular watch, and it even has the classic clock hands we all know so well. But don’t mistake this for your typical dumb watch; it can count your steps, measure distance, keep record of your runs and even monitor burned calories. Your inactive time will also be recorded, as the Activite Pop monitors your sleep.
Worried about battery life? Don’t even! This thing will last about 8 months between battery replacements!
Buy the Withings Activite Pop for $149.95!
See also: Best Android Wear watches
Tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A may not be the cheapest tablet around, but it is below the $250 threshold we have set ourselves here. It has a low resolution display and performance could be improved, but it makes up for those downsides by offering great audio quality and a battery life that won’t disappoint.
Specs include an 8-inch 1024×768 display, a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 5 MP main camera, a 2 MP front shooter and a 4200 mAh battery.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch for $229.99!
Amazon Fire HD 10
Frequent users of Amazon’s services should really look into getting a Fire HD 10. This device harnesses all that’s good about Amazon’s ecosystems and puts all that content right at your fingertips. And even though it is only $229.99, it shouldn’t leave many of you disappointed. Some sacrifices were definitely made, though.
Specs include a 10-inch 1280x800p display, a quad-core MediaTek processor, 1 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of internal storage.
Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $229.99!
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
When it comes to compact, affordable tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is actually still among my favorites. This pad is super thin, light and has really small bezels. Factor in the good specs, solid battery life and high-res display and you truly have a winner.
The tablet comes with an 8.4-inch 2560x1600p display, a Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage, an 8 MP camera, a 2.1 MP front shooter and a sizable 4900 mAh battery. Not bad at all, especially starting at $204.22 from Amazon. Honestly, I would say this is the best deal out of the 3 tablets listed here.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 for as low as $204.22!
See also: Best Android tablets (November 2015)
Media streamers
NVIDIA Shield Android TV + Remote
Whoever said Android TV devices weren’t good for gaming? The average set-top boxes do casual gaming pretty well, but if you want to get serious you go for something like the NVIDIA Shield Android TV. This beast may not look intimidating, but it packs an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16/250 GB of internal storage and more. It is 4K-ready and will take care of all your playing needs. And we really mean all… it can even do console games via NVIDIA GeForce NOW and NVIDIA GameStream. It is the ultimate gaming Android TV.
Buy the NVIDIA Shield Android TV for $249.98!
Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition
Don’t need too much gaming power and would rather take advantage of Amazon’s platform? The Fire TV is a great little device that will connect you to all the apps and content the popular retailer has to offer. Not to mention, that controller will help you dominate your favorite mobile games (over 800 available titles). You can also use voice commands to navigate and access your favorite content.
Buy the Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition for $139.99!
Roku 4
We are huge fans of Android here, but we also understand you don’t need to have this complex OS in every single device you own. Some users prefer Roku’s UI and ecosystem, and the Roku 4 is definitely a viable option. This set-top box gives access to over 2500 channels with plenty of content. It also includes features like voice search, and the remote can also work as a Wii-like controller. Or simply plug in your headphones to turn it into your audio device.
Buy the Roku 4 for $129!
See also: Best media players and streamers (September 2015)
Chromebooks
ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1
Guess what? You can buy a perfectly good computer for under $250 nowadays! The ASUS Chromebook Flip takes advantage of Chrome OS to bring a simple and fast experience without breaking the bank. Packed inside you can find a 10.1-inch 1280x800p screen, a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. You can also opt for a version with 2 GB of RAM for $30 less.
But all those specs are standard for Chromebooks nowadays. ASUS manages to differentiate itself in another way – the screen flips over a la Lenovo, giving you flexibility and portability all around.
Buy the ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1 for $249!
ASUS Chromebook C201
Maybe you don’t need your laptop to bend over backwards for you. In which case the ASUS Chromebook C201 may be a better option, as well as cheaper. Like the Chromebook Flip, this PC comes in two flavors, one with 2 GB at $154.99 and another with 4 GB at $184. Other specs include a Rockchip 3288 processor, 16 GB of internal storage and an 11.6-inch 1366x768p display.
Buy the ASUS Chromebook C201 for $184!
Acer Chromebook 15
One thing that keeps the average user from switching to Chrome OS is the fact that Chromebooks tend to have tiny screen. It’s just not convenient for those who actually want to get some work done, which is the audience Acer had in mind when creating the Chromebook 15.
This bad boy comes with a large 15.6-inch HD screen, 2/4 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage and your choice between a Celeron, Core i3 or Core i5 processor. The price for a decked out one can go all the way up to $469.99, though. Not exactly within our limit.
Buy the Acer Chromebook 15 for as low as $229.99!
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a favorite pick among audiophiles. They cost only $168 and offer better quality than many headphones that double this price. These are very comfortable, solidly made, portable and offer sound quality we can’t really complain about. Our friends over at Sound Guys did a more complete review, just in case you are interested in catching all the details.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones for $168!
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK
Those who want something a little nicer can pay up and get the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK headset, which can be had for $192.31 right now. These are also amazingly comfortable and offer 45 mm True Motion drivers for better audio reproduction.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK headphones for $192.31!
Sennheiser Momentum headphones
Sennheiser is known for its good quality headphones. Considering their large follower base, we would say you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser Momentum headset at $189.99. These closed back, over-the-ear headphones are made with premium leather pads and metal. They are also fancy, as you can see in the image above. And if you are always on-the-go, its gorgeous case will definitely turn some heads.
Buy the Sennheiser Momentum headphones for $189.99!
Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
While the other headphones listed above try to please audiophiles, Jaybird targets the general consumer with the X2 in-ear headphones. These are super user-friendly, wireless, small and great performers. The X2 headset also happens to be super comfortable, thanks to the foam tips that keep the earbuds in place. They also come with a nifty case. Our only complaint is that we wish it had better battery life, but we must keep in mind these headphones are tiny. Considering this, almost 8 hours of playback is really not bad at all.
Buy the Jaybird X2 headphones for $179.95
Plantronics Backbeat Sense SE headphones
While there are definitely better Plantronics headsets out there, these offer quite a bit for the price. Because these are on-ear headphones, this makes them much lighter and more portable. Not to mention the fact that they are gorgeous!
And these do come with some neat capabilities. For starters, they will pause your music if you remove them from your ears. Another cool feature is its active noise cancellation. Sound is well-balanced and battery life averages at about 18 whopping hours!
Buy the Plantronics Backbeat Sense SE headphones for $199.99!
Read also: Best headphones of 2015 (via SoundGuys)
Action cameras
Sony HDRAS100V/W video camera
I swear I can’t think of a worse name for a consumer camera, but that doesn’t take away from its quality. This little guy happens to be quite an awesome action camera for adventure seekers. It is splash-proof and compact, making it the perfect companion for your active lifestyle. Its optical image stabilization will keep your clips clear and smooth, all while the stereo microphones capture quality sound you will love when viewing your clips in other devices.
There’s very little to dislike about this camera (aside from the name), which can be controlled trough your smartphone or a Sony-made wrist-worn remote.
Buy the Sony HDRAS100V/W for $169.95!
Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera
You know what I hate about action cameras? They usually don’t have screens; and if they do, you have to buy it separately. That’s not the case with the Garmin Virb Elite. It has a 1.4-inch Chroma display, which means it also doesn’t take a ton of energy to operate. This convenient action camera is rugged (IPX7 rating) and can shoot at up to 1080p resolution. It’s 2000 mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of shooting. Other features include WiFi, GPS, digital stabilization and more.
Buy the Garmin Virb Elite for $195.43!
GoPro Hero+
This entry level GoPro+ includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it a breeze to control through your app, as well as editing and sharing your clips. And though it’s cheaper than other GoPro cameras, it doesn’t skimp out on much. This camera can still shoot at 1080p60. It’s also built directly into a rugged housing that makes it resistant to dirt, sand and water. It’s all the beauty of a GoPro in a more affordable iteration.
Buy the GoPro Hero+ for $199.99!
Bluetooth speakers
Amazon Echo
Have you seen this thing before? Let me tell you it’s totally awesome. It pretty much works as a wireless speaker, digital assistant, book reader, weather reporter and more. The Echo even works with some smart home platforms, such as Belkin WeMo, Phillips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon and Wink.
All you have to do is talk to it and request your needs! The best part is it doesn’t really need another device. It actually works by connecting to the cloud, so everything is done through Amazon’s servers.
Buy the Amazon Echo for $179.99!
UE Boom 2
UE can’t be missing on any list of best wireless speakers. Their products are solid, and the Boom 2 is no exception. Its loud 360-degree sound will fill any room. It’s also super portable and fits in any bag (and some pockets). And don’t even worry about it not being able to keep your pace. UE’s speaker is waterproof, shockproof, and has an IPX7 rating. Factor in 15 hours of battery life and you have a winner.
Buy the UE Boom 2 for $199.99!
Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II
Bose is synonymous with quality – there’s no doubt about that. You can not go wrong with the SoundLink Mini II. It may not look the coolest, but does provide a deep bass and full-range listening experience. Bluetooth connectivity will keep a connection with your smartphone, and you can even use it as a speakerphone for calls. Its battery also lasts up to 10 hours, which is definitely not bad.
Buy the SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II for $199!
JBL Charge 2+
Here’s another Bluetooth speaker you can get wet (as long as you don’t submerge it). The JBL Charge 2+ gets its name from the large 6,000 mAh battery packed inside, which allows it to stay alive for 12 hours of continuous playback. Powerful sound, resistant body and many hours of playback – what else can you ask for?
Buy JBL Charge 2+ for $141.11!
Fluance Fi50
Have you heard of Fluance? Probably not, but they happen to make some amazing products. This speaker provides pristine sound, undistorted bass and natural highs at any volume. It is made with dual full-range 5-inch woven woofers, ultra high-end tweeters and a 40 watt amplifier. The thing is some serious stuff, guys.
Buy the Fluance Fi50 for $199.99!
Read also: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2015 (via SoundGuys)
Smart home
Nest thermostat
Times are changing. No longer do you have to get up and change your temperature like a caveman, interacting directly with the device. Nest can be controlled through your smartphone. It can also schedule itself to optimize both comfort and energy efficiency. And since Nest knows when you are away, it can stop working when you leave the house.
Buy the Nest thermostat for $249!
Nest Cam
Nest is working hard to control all areas of your home. They have a thermostat, a smoke detector and now even a camera. The Nest Cam allows customers to see their home from anywhere at Full HD 1080p resolution. But you don’t have to be looking at all times. The camera will send you alerts if it senses movements while you are not there, and its night vision will ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Gift cards
Google Play Store
Of course, no solid shopping guide is complete without the beloved gift cards. And since here at Android Authority we are all about Google’s mobile OS, we would like to remind you there’s plenty of options under $100 to be had from the Google Play Store.
Learn about Google Play Store giftcards!
Amazon
You can also get Amazon Gift cards in plenty of increments, ranging from $10 to the thousands. These can be used for all your tech and content, so go grab them!
Wrapping up
Did you find any good gifts for that special loved one? We are almost sure this list has at least one awesome thing your beloved tech geek will love. If not, those gift cards are always perfect! What do you guys think? Are there any cool ideas you can think of for gifts under $250? We are sure you can come up with some other great gadgets, these just happen to be our favorite.
Sky Go finally comes to Amazon Fire tablets
For more than three years, Brits have been able to enjoy the Sky Go app on their Android device. Sky’s been quite clear that as long as you own a smartphone or tablet running Android 4.0 (and you have an active Sky subscription), you can get involved — as long as you aren’t trying to download it on an Amazon device. Sky’s aversion to the world’s biggest online retailer has persisted, but as it gets ready to unleash Sky Q on the world, the company has finally relented and decided now is the time to slot in the missing piece of the Android puzzle.
Via: Sky
Source: Sky Go (Amazon Appstore)
Sending private Twitch messages on iOS gets a lot easier today
Source: Twitch
Amazon’s Prime Air project is alive and well, has a new drone
Hopefully you’re managing to snag yourself a few final bargains this Cyber Monday, if you’re not already burnt out after Black Friday. Given all this consumer madness, it’s fitting that Amazon has chosen this week to deliver us an update about its ‘Prime Air’ project. Remember those flying package delivery drones from a couple of years ago that seemed like something out of science fiction?
The latest update contains a small selection of new pictures and a video, which features Amazon’s latest high-profile signing for its programming line-up – Jeremy Clarkson. There’s a run down through how the system works, along with a good look at Amazon’s new drone design.
As well as the old quad-coper design, Amazon has a new drone that looks something like a cross between a hovercraft and a traditional aeroplane. The new model is able to move both vertically and then horizontally, allowing for easy landings and take-offs as well as faster, more efficient flight. This design can reach a height of 400 feet, can fly at over 55 miles per hour and can cover 15 miles.
See also: Google drone package deliveries to arrive by 2017
The drone also seems to feature some on-board processor technology and specialized software that can be used to avoid obstacles on-route and scan the landing spot for an ideal location to drop off your package. The plan is for Amazon to run a fleet of drones in different shapes and sizes to cater for different environments.
Amazon says that putting Prime Air into service is still going to take some time, but the company plans to deploy once it has the necessary regulatory support. So there still a while to wait until Amazon drone deliveries are a thing, but one day this technology be as familiar as the postman.
Amazon recruits help from Jeremy Clarkson to plug Amazon Prime Air
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Jeremy Clarkson and his Top Gear stable mates signed up to a monstrous deal with Amazon earlier this year and perhaps predictably, the former face of the UK motoring show is being used to market quite a few of Amazon’s new endeavours,with Amazon most recently getting help from Jeremy Clarkson to plug Amazon Prime Air. While drone delivery is technically still outlawed in the US, the new ad has aired to no doubt drum up some hype with Clarkson’s star power. Check out the ad below:
You’ll notice that the Amazon drones look a little different than before, with Amazon clearly busy trying to make drone deliveries a reality – that said, Amazon says that they are working on “more than a dozen prototypes” so really this might not even be the design when the service is officially launched. The Amazon Prime Air service itself will be used to deliver goods weighing 5 pounds or less within a 30 minute radius of its warehouse – the service will even support notifications to let you know that your package is incoming. As for when it’s actually going to be launched, you’ll need to wait and see what the government’s upcoming commercial drone laws are going to say and whether that disagrees with how Amazon wants to operate its drone service.
What do you think about Amazon Prime Air? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Amazon recruits help from Jeremy Clarkson to plug Amazon Prime Air appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Amazon and Jeremy Clarkson hint at the future of delivery drones
Former Top Gear co-host Jeremy Clarkson isn’t just working on a new motoring show for Amazon… he’s helping the internet giant pitch its vision for delivery drones, too. Amazon has unveiled a splashy new Prime Air ad where Clarkson shows off a new, more powerful drone design (with promises of a “whole family” of others) and outlines how these robots would ship a pair of running shoes. All you’d have to do is place your order and plunk down a marker to tell the drone where to land. From there, the robot would use its mix of horizontal and vertical propellers to ferry your cargo (up to 15 miles from its home base) in 30 minutes or less. You’d even get a heads-up when the drone is close, so you wouldn’t have to worry about someone swiping your package the moment it arrives.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Amazon
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