The LG G4 is getting updates you can’t turn down
When a software update is ready for your smartphone, you usually get a friendly notification that lets you refuse the fix if you’re anxious or just busy. At least some LG G4 owners aren’t getting that option, however. Customers on both AT&T and T-Mobile are reporting surprise “mandatory” patches that not only install themselves automatically, but reboot the phone as soon as they’re done — not cool if you had to make an important call. There’s little in the release notes to say what they fix, either, so it’s not certain just how vital the code really is.
Some users suspect that this might fix touchscreen responsiveness problems that some G4 users have, but it’s not certain that this is the case. It could also close a security exploit, for example, or tackle some other critical issue. We’ve reached out to LG to get the scoop on the patch, including whether or not it’s destined for other carriers and countries. Hopefully, this kind of involuntary update doesn’t become a habit. While it’s typically smart to install important updates as soon as you can, it’s also good to have the choice of putting them off.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, AT&T, LG, T-Mobile
Source: Droid-Life
‘Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons’ coming to PS4, Xbox One and mobile
At this point in the PlayStation 4’s and Xbox One’s lifecycle, they almost seem more like “in case you missed it” machines than those offering brand new experiences. That isn’t always a bad thing though, and especially not where the excellent Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is concerned. Starbreeze Studio’s heartbreaking indie hits Microsoft and Sony’s latest consoles “this holiday season” according to a press release. Furthermore, IGN reports that it’ll feature a few new additions as well, including a director’s commentary track, a concept art gallery and a soundtrack. And if you’ve heard your console-owning pals raving about the game but don’t own one (or a PC) yourself, Brothers will hit the App Store and Google Play later this year as well. Just make sure you’re not playing in public toward the end — trust us.
[The screenshot above is from the game’s Xbox 360 version]
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Sony, Microsoft
Source: IGN
Apple makes Android Migration possible with iOS 9
Of the many new features announced at Apple’s WorldWide Developer Conference on Monday, a few stuck out just a bit for those not intertwined with the Apple world. The introduction of Apple Music and Android Migration. While most will grunt or groan about this feature, Android Migration can, and hopefully will help, many people who decide to switch from Android to iOS.
There are already tools available from the likes of Samsung, Motorola and HTC, that help you move data from one device to another, but it’s not really intended to be used across platforms. That’s what is most exciting to me. In no way am I suggesting that anyone ditch their awesome Android devices for an iPhone, but if you do decide to, you will be able to easily transfer most of your information.
Now a big hiccup that is seen when switching between platforms, is remembering which apps you downloaded on your previous phone, before switching to the new device. You can either do something like I do, and write out a list, or just wing it. However Apple is hoping to make things a bit easier when it comes to downloading those apps you were using on your Android device.
It securely transfers your contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, wallpaper, and DRM-free songs and books. And it will help you rebuilt your app library too.
Free apps will be automatically suggested through the App Store and Apple’s new suggestions page. Now the trickier one. Those paid apps. Paid apps will obviously not be able to be transferred between iOS and Android, or vice-versa, however when using the Android Migration tool, any of your paid apps that are available on both platforms will be added to your Wish List within the App Store. Of course this doesn’t solve all of your headaches, but at least all of your paid apps will be able to be easily located and purchased.
It isn’t yet known how Android Migration will exactly work between both platforms, but we can assume that Apple is working on an application that will be released on the Google Play Store. You can expect to see Apple’s Android Migration application released this fall with the release of iOS 9 and possibly alongside the release of Apple Music to Android users.
Man, this is getting weird.
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Razer is in talks to buy OUYA, reports say
The OUYA rollercoaster is preparing to make its final run, according to a report on CNET: Apparently, Razer is in talks to buy the company. Razer and OUYA are working on a deal and discussing how to fold OUYA’s staff into Razer’s, though nothing is finalized, the site says. OUYA, as you’ll recall, raised $8.6 million on Kickstarter in 2012, pitching itself as an accessible, cheap, Android micro-console with a library of “free to try” games. When OUYA launched in July 2013, reviews critiqued its controller, game library and technical issues, and it simply never gained traction as a viable gaming system. In its first month, just 27 percent of OUYA owners had actually purchased a game and the console historically hasn’t provided much revenue for developers.
In January, reports emerged that OUYA was making moves in China, with a potential $10 million sale to Alibaba. That report remains unconfirmed, but it looks unlikely after today’s news of a potential Razer deal. We’ve reached out to Razer for comment.
Source: CNET
[Deal Alert] LG is offering “buy one cover get one free” sale on LG G4 leather backs
LG announced G4 back in April of this year, and one of its most eye catching features is its interchangeable back. You can easily swap out the old back cover to replace with a new one. These back covers are available in many different colors and come in a variety of materials like leather. If you are planning on buying the leather back panel for your LG G4 then this is the right time for you, as LG is offering a “buy one cover get one free” sale on leather back panels.
The leather back panel is available in five colors that include Sky Blue, Orange, Pink, Red and Yellow. However for now you can only pre-order the leather back panel on LG’s website. The single leather back cover will set you back for $70 and when you add two of them LG will automatically slash the price of your second leather back panel in your shopping cart. The offer is valid up to June 30th and if you have an LG G4 then we would suggest you to go buy it right now before the deal expires.
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Facebook Messenger crosses 1 Billion downloads on Playstore
Facebook has recently announced that the Android version of their Messenger app has been downloaded over 1 billion times. Facebook’s VP of Messaging Products commemorated this landmark in a Facebook post yesterday.
“Happy to make it to the very exclusive Android 1 billion+ downloads club.” – David Marcus
Facebook Messenger has provided us with a indispensable replacement for text messaging, phone calls, video calls and picture sharing as well. We can send gifs or voice clips just like the other hoards of messaging apps like Whatsapp and Viber. Recently, Facebook also integrated an improved location sharing option in the app.
These new features and the constant improvement in the app have played a big part in Messenger’s reach to 1 billion downloads. This clearly shows how Facebook has become such a routine part of our lives by keeping us connected to so many people.
Still not using Messenger? Grab it from the link below.
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Moto X (1st Gen) to receive Android 5.1 update
Owners of the original Moto X (2013) can now rejoice, as they will be receiving an Android 5.1 update soon. Motorola’s Senior Director of Software Product Management, David Schuster has announced in a Google+ post a few hours back, that they have started the Moto X (1st Gen.) Android 5.1 soak test in France and Germany with more deployment next week is its successful.
Schuster also stated that :
“In addition, we have addressed an issue we found in a previous soak test and should start full soak testing in the US and Brazil for retail later this week. If all goes well, full deployment can happen the following week.”
The talks about Moto X (2013) receiving an Android 5.1 update has been in the air for quite some time now. If everything goes out as planned then Moto X (2013) will soon be in a for a sweet lollipop treat. There is not much improvement in 5.1 over 5.0.2 , but who doesn’t like to have the latest software update on their devices?
Carrier locked variants of the device will receive the update a bit later than the unlocked versions but Schuster has promised that all devices will receive the update.
Do you own a Moto X(1st Gen.) device? Have you flashed your device or are you still waiting for the OTA? Let us know in the comments below.
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Google’s voice search helps you ask about nearby places
One of the biggest problems with voice search is that, for consistent results, you have to use specific words and phrasing. The process often feels unnatural, and you spend most of your time trying to second-guess the sort of sentence Google will interpret properly. Well, Google is making it a little easier now with location aware queries. It means that your Android or iOS device will take your current position into consideration and pair your questions to nearby points of interest. So If you ask “how big is this lake” or “what’s the name of this park,” Google should know what you’re referring to and provide the relevant information. The feature was shown off at the Search Marketing Expo in Paris and appears to be live right now for some iOS and Android users. If nothing else, it should keep you amused until Google releases Android M and its ambitious Now on Tap service.
Location Aware Search is live unannounced feature in Google Search App. Ask about things nearby without naming them pic.twitter.com/ML7APC6Msc
– Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) June 9, 2015
Filed under: Cellphones, Google
Via: Search Engine Land
Source: Danny Sullivan
How to install Android M
I know that the Android M preview was announced and released a while ago, but I am still asked how someone should go about installing Android M.
In response to these numerous requests, I felt that there is a need for a quick guide on how to install the preview.
Honestly time. I don’t have a Nexus Player. I would love a Nexus Player, but I just don’t have one, so I don’t know how much the steps vary for that device. However, these steps will work on the other Nexus phones and tablet just fine.
Requirements
- Nexus device with Android M preview
- adb tools installed
- adb debugging enabled on device
- A way to extract TGZ files (I use 7-zip)
Step One – Downloading the factory images
You can download the official Android M images for your Nexus branded device(s) here, or you can follow the direct links below.
Nexus 5 (GSM/LTE)Nexus 6Nexus 9Nexus Player
By downloading the images for the above links, you are agreeing to Google’s Terms and Conditions. Let’s be honest though, you weren’t going to read through those anyways.
Step Two – Extract the files
Extract the .tgz file with whatever program, methods you prefer.
For me, I installed 7-zip and used that to extract the files.
After that, you will want to extract the .tar file. I did that the same way.
Finally, extract the .zip file at the end of the trail.
Hopefully, you will be greeted with the following files
- android-info.txt
- boot.img
- cache.img
- recovery.img
- system.img
- userdata.img
Step Three- Boot into bootloader
There are two ways to do this.
Option One – adb command
If your device is already booted up normally, then this is rather easy.
Make sure that ADB debugging is enabled and your drivers are installed.
If you can’t handle this on your own, you really should not install the Android M preview. While the preview is mostly stable, if you can’t manage to get adb commands functioning properly, you are going to absolutely hate yourself for installing the preview. Things will crash and not everything will work.
If you still want to continue on, you can follow this guide to install ADB and Fastboot tools.
Anyways, all you have to do at this juncture is open in a command window and type in the following command and press enter.
Option Two – button combination
This one is easier, but I prefer option one to make sure that I have adb installed correctly.
All you have to do is when the device is powered completely off, press and hold volume down and the power button.
That’s it, you’ll boot into the bootloader!
Step Four- Wipe the device
Some people claim that this step is optional, but I find it 100% necessary. I actually tried to install Android M on top of stock 5.1.1 without a wipe, and I got nothing but trouble. Force closings everywhere.
For this step, it is just another command. Once again, just open a command window/terminal if you don’t already have one open and type in the following command and press enter.
if you are using a linux distro, you are going to have to add “sudo” to the start of the command and type in your password when prompted.
Step Five- Install system images
Just like you did for step three, just execute the following commands. IN ORDER!
Except, this time, you need to make sure that your terminal is opened to the same location as the files that I had you extract previously.
In Windows, you can just open that file location in the file explorer and right click while holding shift. This will allow you to select the option “Open command window here”
I am sure that there is a similar process that can be followed in Linux and on Macs.
Step Six – WAIT
Now, you should see a recovery Android.
Something similar to this
What this screen is showing is your phone’s recovery partition clearing everything out and getting things ready for you.
You don’t need to know exactly what it is doing, all you have to do is sit tight and wait. This will take a while. So long to the point that you think you did it wrong.
Don’t worry, just wait it out and your phone will boot normally. Then congrats! You should be booted into Android M!
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Archos unveils new Helium Plus smartphones
Pioneering Android mobile and tablet manufacturer, Archos has added two new handsets to their Helium series of smartphones. Unveiled today in Paris, the Archos 50 Helium Plus and 55 Helium Plus 4G smartphones come with great specs at an affordable price.
Both, 50 Helium Plus and 55 Helium Plus come with HD Screens, IPS image quality and 4G dual SIM connectivity. Both are available in Jet Black or White Frost finishing with a “Glass Effect” finishing.
In a statement today, Archos CEO Loic Poirier said:
“The ARCHOS 50 Helium Plus and ARCHOS 55 Helium Plus reflect ARCHOS’ goal of bringing 4G technology to everybody and offer users better performance at affordable prices”
The 50 Helium Plus smartphone has a 5-inch 1280×720 IPS HD display with 8GB on-board storage (expandable via MicroSD card), 1GB RAM, a 2000 mAh battery with a 64-bit quad-core CPU. It measures 5.63″x2.79″x0.36″ and runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop . The 50t Helium Plus has a 13 MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It is priced at $109.
The 55 Helium Plus has similar features with the only differences being that it comes with a larger 5.5-inch 1280×720 IPS HD display, and a bigger 2400 mAh battery. Its priced at $139.
Technical Specifications Comparison:
Both the phones show promise in the budget smartphone market with decent specifications and optimum pricing. They are set to hit the market in July 2015.
Image Gallery:
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