Sony Xperia C4 arrives in the US via Amazon
Back near the beginning of June, Sony began shipping out its new Xperia C4 smartphone to various countries around the world, but the US was sadly left off of the launch scheduled. Fortunately, the international version of the handset just has shown up on Amazon US.
Much like the HTC One E9 and M9+ just last week, third party retailers have set-up shop at Amazon to import the Xperia C4 into the US. The smartphone can be purchased for $379 in your choice of white or black.
The Sony Xperia C4 features quite reasonable specifications, including a 5.5-inch 1080p display, octa-core MT6752 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory with microSD support, and a 2,600mAh battery. The smartphone is touted as the “world best selfie phone” and comes with a 5 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens and soft LED flash, alongside a more standard 13 MP main camera on the back. There’s also Android Lollipop on board by default.
Again though, the big drawback is that these imported smartphones won’t work with 4G LTE in the US, regardless of the carrier, because of the modem. The C4 should still work just fine on GSM networks in the US, including as AT&T and T-Mobile, but it would be best to double check your carrier against the bands below.
- 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Is anyone out there planning to pick one up, or is the lack of LTE support a deal breaker?
[Deal] Google’s Nexus Player only $68 through Amazon
Amazon has Google’s Nexus Player on sale for $68, if you’re looking to get yourself set up with an Android TV.
Of course, there are much better options out there as far as Android TV set-top boxes go. For instance, the NVIDIA Shield TV and Forge TV are excellent solutions, but can be a lot pricier than what the Nexus Player is running for right now.
The Nexus Player usually runs at about $100, but at $68, you’re getting about a $32 discount, and that’s hard to pass up. If you’re looking to outfit your TV with Android on a budget, this is your best bet.
If you’re interested, just hit the source link below!
source: Amazon
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Google’s Nexus Player only $68 through Amazon
Deal: Nexus Player only $64.78 on Amazon
The Nexus Player led Android TV into the battle for your living room. It’s Google’s very own Android TV device. Is it perfect? You can read our Nexus Player review and find out the device definitely has its quirks. There are now better options out there, that’s for sure. Especially at that $100 price range, but today’s deal makes the Nexus Player much more enticing for people looking to join the Android TV party.
Amazon is selling the Nexus Player for only $64.78, almost a$35 discount over the original price. To make matters even better, the popular online retailer is also giving Nexus Player customers not only regular Prime shipping for free, but you can even opt to get one-day shipping at no extra charge (of course, assuming you are a Prime member).
It can’t really get much better than this deal, if you ask me. We have seen Amazon hold some pretty good deals on the Nexus Player recently, but this is the best we have seen. You should definitely jump on it if you are looking for a basic Android TV device. We are not sure how long this price will stick around, so you should definitely act fast.
Who’s buying?!
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
Amazon will pay some authors based on how many pages you read
Authors are normally paid a consistent amount for every e-book you download, no matter how much of a page-turner it is. Amazon might just shake up that model before long, though. As of July 1st, the internet giant will pay Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library authors based on the number of pages you read. In theory, this compensates writers for their hard work on longer titles while encouraging quality material. And no, they can’t pad things out by using a larger font or extra spacing, like you would in a college essay that’s just a page too short. Amazon is using a normalized page count that accounts for how much content is actually there, so the rate should be the same no matter the layout.
How well this formula will work is still up in the air. Images will count as content, so you may see novels with a few extra illustrations that weren’t really necessary. The move may also inadvertently punish authors of industry guides, textbooks and other material that you aren’t likely to read cover-to-cover. More importantly, there’s a concern that writers will compromise stories by including lots of cliffhangers, epilogues and anything else that might keep you reading for a little bit longer. The impact may be limited given that subscriptions are only one part of Amazon’s strategy, but it won’t be surprising if the per-page revenue shapes certain authors in the same way that serials influenced the likes of Charles Dickens.
Via: The Atlantic, Gizmodo, The Verge
Source: Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon uses machine learning to show you more helpful reviews
Let’s be blunt: Amazon’s reviews sometimes suck. Many of them are hasty day-one reactions, others are horribly misinformed and a few are out-and-out fakes. The internet shopping giant thinks it knows how to sort the wheat from the chaff, however. It just launched a new machine learning system that understands which reviews are likely to be the most helpful, and floats them to the top. The artificial intelligence typically prefers reviews that are recent, receive a lot of up-votes or come from verified buyers. Amazon hopes that this will show you opinions that are not only more trustworthy, but reflect any fixes. In other words, you’ll see reviews for the product you’re actually likely to get.
The learning technology is only active in the US at the moment, and it may take a while before you notice the difference. Also, it’s unclear as to how well the system will work in practice. While it might downplay that impulsive one-star review, it’s not going to know which opinions are the most thoughtful — that’s more likely up to you. And, as Recode suggests, there’s a worry that this algorithmic approach will mess with the joke reviews that have become a staple of Amazon. Who doesn’t want to read feedback on TVs that cost as much as a luxury car, or networking cables that open wormholes?
[Image credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan]
Via: Recode
Source: CNET
OnePlus One heading to Flipkart sooner rather than later
OnePlus launched OnePlus One in India back in December 2014 and is exclusively available through Amazon India. But now Oneplus likely to be partnered with India’s largest e-commerce website to offer its flagship killer. Flipkart has been teasing that new smartphone is coming soon and from the looks of it , it is definitely the OnePlus One.
The #One Wish Flipkart hasn’t fulfilled yet… is about to come true soon. pic.twitter.com/OYAkGfa3uC
— Flipkart (@Flipkart) June 18, 2015
This step of the company partnering with other e-commerce website is quite understandable, as Amazon India is currently unable to deliver products in some regions of India and the company wants to improve its supply chain in India. Also, as we are getting closer and closer to the release of the OnePlus 2, it seems that the company is more and more interested in getting as many sales as possible from the current One.
Report suggests that the 64GB model of Oneplus One will be offered by Flipkart as early as next week. But there is still no confirmation about 16GB model. Also, today Oneplus released the fix for touchscreen issue that are being faced by some of the users. If you were thinking to buy the OnePlus One and were afraid of the touchscreen issues then this is the great time to grab the flagship killer. Overall, if you are looking for high-end budget-friendly smartphone then we definitely recommend this phone.
The post OnePlus One heading to Flipkart sooner rather than later appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Our love affair with the future of food and drink
Are we getting lazier or have we just gotten smarter at not working harder? It’s possible we may see the day when IBM’s Watson will control an automated system, delivering unique meals from start to finish without our assistance. Indeed, many appliances predicted in the concept kitchens of the ’50s have already arrived and still we’re looking to evolve our at-home convenience further into the future. The Internet of Things now lets us monitor, control and cook without even being in the room. Sure, we’re still working out the kinks, but there’s an amazing array of helpful gadgets to take the guesswork (and elbow grease) out of crafting the perfect meal. Some even look after our well-being, prodding us with suggestions for a healthier lifestyle. So join us as we take a look at some culinary gadgets that’ll help take the heat out of the kitchen and give us more time to kick back.
Amazon announces developer preview for Fire OS 5 for Fire HD 6 and Fire HD 7 tablets
Amazon has announced the launch of a developer preview for their upcoming Fire OS 5 that’s set to hit their lineup of tablets later this year. Any developer with a Fire HD 6 or Fire HD 7 tablet from 2014 can get in on the preview and test out how their apps will run on the updated version of Amazon’s forked OS.
The update, which is based on Android Lollipop, is set to bring a handful of new features to Amazon’s Fire Tablet, Fire TV, and Fire TV Stick. Hopefully with this developer program, there shouldn’t be many compatibility issues once it becomes official.
Amazon’s 90 second testing service has also been updated to support Fire OS 5 if you don’t want to actually install unofficial software on your devices. The testing service lets developers upload their app apk to Amazon’s server where it will run some basic tests to check compatibility with newer software and devices.
Interestingly, Amazon’s information about this doesn’t mention the Fire Phone whatsoever. Poor little guy.
source: Amazon
Come comment on this article: Amazon announces developer preview for Fire OS 5 for Fire HD 6 and Fire HD 7 tablets
Amazon launches Fire OS 5 dev preview, based on Android Lollipop
Amazon is still trucking along with its customized version of Android — though we’d imagine updates are more focused on the company’s Kindle Fire tablets and TV hardware, rather than the disastrous Fire Phone. Developers can get their hands on a preview version of Fire OS 5 today, while the final version is coming later this fall. The new OS finally brings Android Lollipop to the company’s devices, though you likely won’t see many of Google’s interface improvements under Amazon’s skin. The addition of Lollipop should also make Fire OS 5 compatible with more Android apps than before. Amazon’s also updated its online testing service to tell developers if their apps are compatible with the new OS in 90 seconds.
[Photo credit: AP Photo/Reed Saxon]
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Amazon
Source: Amazon
Best cheap Android tablets (June 2015)
While high-end devices are generally the stars of the Android world, there is a growing emphasis on quality on a budget, and that’s very visible in the tablet arena.
From companies that are willing to sacrifice profits for the sake of market share, to established players looking to improve their game in the mid-range, several companies have brought to market affordable Android tablets that are actually worth buying. Unfortunately, for every great cheap Android tablet, there are tons of poorly made, clunky, and underpowered slates out there, which can make buying tablets on a budget a pain. We’re here to help.
No budget limitations? See The best Android tablets money can buy
If you’re looking for a good budget-friendly gift for a loved one, or just want to treat yourself, check out our list of best affordable Android tablets. Let’s get started!
Update, June 2015: Joining the Nexus 7 (2013) and the Asus MemoPad 8 on our list, are some new devices like the 10-inch Lenovo Tab 2 A10, as well as tablets that have received significant price cut that put them in the range of $200 or below, including the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4.
Nexus 7 (2013)
Despite being almost two years old, the Nexus 7 (2013) is still one of the best tablets you can buy, and with newer tablets making their way to consumers, the already attractive price tag of the Nexus 7 (2013) is bound to get even better.
The Nexus 7 (2013)’s quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM is still more than capable of handling all but the most processor-intensive activities. Its display resolution is still the highest you can get in this size category, and most importantly, you get a great software experience, helped along by the guarantee of timely updates, including Android 5.0 Lollipop. This is why the Nexus 7 (2013) opens our list of best cheap Android tablets.
Specs
- 7-inch LCD IPS display with 1920 x 1200 resolution (323ppi)
- 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor
- Adreno 320 GPU
- 2GB RAM
- 16/32GB storage
- 5 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP front-facing camera
- 200 x 114 x 8.7 mm, 290 grams
- 3,950 mAh
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Nexus 7 (2013) review
- Best Nexus 7 (2013) cases
- Best Nexus 7 (2013) accessories
- Common Nexus 7 (2013) problems and how to fix them
Asus MeMO Pad 8
Asus refreshed the affordable Android tablet it first launched last year, bringing to the new MeMO Pad 8 improved specifications and a better overall performance. The new MeMO Pad 8 combines a 8-inch IPS LCD screen with a quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor running at 1.33 GHz and 1GB of RAM. A thin and light design makes this tablet very portable, and a ton of extra goodies worth around $270 makes this a good choice for budget buyers.
Specs
- 8-inch IPS LCD display with 1200 x 800 resolution (189 ppi)
- 1.33 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 16 GB internal storage, expandable
- 5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera
- 211.7 x 124.9 x 8.3 mm, 320 grams
- 3,040 mAh battery
- Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
While the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is priced slightly above $200, it’s a difficult device to ignore, given all that it offers for only a slightly higher price tag compared to the other devices on this list of cheap Android tablets. With its very high resolution display, making it a fantastic media-consumption companion, and a processing package that powered flagship devices only a short time ago, the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is more than impressive when you consider its price point.
Samsung is known for packing their devices to the hilt with software features, and that is also available here for those that are looking for it. Samsung has refreshed their mid-range tablet portfolio since the release of this device, but the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 remains one of the best choices of the lot, and not only because of its comparatively cheaper price point.
Specs
- 8.4-inch Super Clear LCD display with 2560 x 1600 resolution (359 ppi)
- 2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
- Adreno 330 GPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 16/32 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
- 8 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera
- 219 x 128.5 x 7.2 mm, 331 grams
- 4,800 mAh
- Android 4.4 Kitkat (upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop arriving in Q3 2015)
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 8.4 Review
- Best Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 Cases
- Quick look: Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 vs Nexus 7 (2013)
Dell Venue 8
The already budget-friendly Dell Venue 8 saw a significant price cut following the release of its successor, making this one of the cheapest Android tablets currently available. Powered by an Intel processor that is backed by 1 GB of RAM, the specifications of this tablet may not be as impressive as some of the others on this list, but it is still quite a capable performer, with a display resolution that is great for watching videos or gaming. Of course, it is hard to overlook its unbeatable sub-$130 price point, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Specs
- 8-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (283 ppi)
- 2.1 GHz dual-core Intel Z3480 processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 16 GB storage, expandable via microSD by up to 64 GB
- 5 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP front-facing camera
- 130 x 216 x 8.95 mm
- 4,550 mAh battery
- Android 4.4 KitKat
LG G Pad 8 (LGV480)
Following the success of the LG G Pad 8.3, LG added three new devices to their G Pad tablet line last year, featuring three different display sizes. Falling in the middle of the pack was the LG G Pad 8.0, with its 8-inch display big enough to enjoy gaming and video watching, without being too unwieldy. On the specifications front, the device may not feature a display with a particularly high resolution, but the Snapdragon 400 processor has proven itself to be a very reliable processing package.
This is also one of the few budget-friendly tablets to receive an upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop, making for a very compelling package overall.
Specs
- 8-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 800 resolution (189 ppi)
- 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- Adreno 305 GPU
- 1 GB RAM
- 16 GB storage, expandable via microSD by up to 64 GB
- 5 MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front-facing camera
- 4,200 mAh battery
- 210.8 x 124.2 x 9.9 mm, 342 grams
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Acer Iconia Tab 8
The Acer Iconia Tab 8 is another great option for those looking for a low-cost tablet that offers solid specifications and performance. The device also comes with a premium design and build quality that goes beyond what its price point suggests, a high resolution display, and dual rear speakers that allow for a good audio experience, along with a large battery and the promise of an impressive battery life. Overall, the Acer Iconia Tab 8 is certainly one of the best options when it comes to cheap Android tablets.
Specs
- 8-inch IPS LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (283 ppi)
- 1.33 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor (1.86 GHz Turbo)
- Intel Gen 7 (Ivy Bridge) GPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 16/32 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
- 5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera
- 4,600 mAh battery
- 215 x 130 x 8.5 mm, 360 grams
- Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7
The Kindle Fire HDX was another fantastic addition to the popular tablet line from Amazon, offering features and specifications that allow for solid performance and a high resolution display and dual Dolby Digital speakers that makes it a great media-consumption companion. While the software iteration is far removed from the traditional Android experience, this take on Android is ideal to take advantage of the Amazon ecosystem and everything it entails, including games, books, movies, and more. If you’re in the market for a low-cost Android tablet, the Kindle Fire HDX is a great choice for you.
Specs
- 7-inch IPS LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (323 ppi)
- 2.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
- Adreno 330 GPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 16/32/64 GB storage
- 1.3 MP front-facing camera
- battery allows for battery life up to 11 hours
- 186 x 128 x 9 mm, 303 grams
- Fire OS 4
Read more
- Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 review
- 9 common problems with the Kindle Fire HD and how to fix them
- Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HDX tablets official: specs, features, pricing and availability
Lenovo Tab 2 A10
The Lenovo Tab 2 A10 has a lot going for it when compared to the rest of the devices on this list. For starters, this is the only device to be released in 2015, introduced back at MWC this year, while being the only 10-inch tablet in this roundup as well. This is also the first tablets to feature Dolby ATMOS 3D Cinema audio enhancements, which aims to make your audio experience much clearer, while taking advantage of the beautiful, large Full HD display. Performance is impressively smooth, and while mobile photography isn’t a key feature when it comes to tablets, this device does offer a solid camera experience. If you’re looking for a large-screen tablet experience on a budget, look no further than the Lenovo Tab 2 A10.
Specs
- 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (218 ppi)
- 1.7 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8165 processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 16 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
- 8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera
- 7,000 mAh battery
- 247 x 171 x 8.9 mm, 509 grams
- Android 4.4 Kitkat (planned upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop at the end of June)
Read more
- Lenovo announces the Tab 2 A10 and Tab 2 A8 tablets at MWC 2015
- Lenovo Tab 2 A10 hands-on and first impressions
And there you have it – our list of the nicest affordable tablets on the market right now! We’ll be keeping this post updated, so be sure to check back. You can’t really go wrong with any of the tablets listed above. Let us know what you think are the best cheap Android tablets!
AIVAnet 