The OnePlus X is now available without an invite
OnePlus is now selling its “X” smartphone to anyone that wants it. The budget Android device had previously been part of OnePlus’ much maligned invite-only policy, which makes buyers wait for a code before purchasing. (As if buying a $249 phone makes you part of some sort of exclusive club). Announcing the decision, OnePlus says this is the fastest a phone has moved from invites to general availability, and notes that this is a trend it hopes to improve upon in the future.
The X has received generally positive reviews. We gave it a score of 73, praising its build quality and raw performance, but not enjoying its weak camera or lack of US-friendly LTE bands. Our review roughly lines up with the critics’ average of 75. About the LTE bands issue: it’s missing support for Band 12 and Band 17, which makes it almost entirely a 3G-only phone on AT&T and T-Mobile (and of course it doesn’t support Verizon either). For those in Europe or elsewhere, though, the OnePlus X might be the compromise between price and features you’ve been waiting for.
Source: OnePlus
Scosche Strikedrive EZTIP reversible micro USB car charger: review
It’s not very often that I get excited to review a car charger, but today is very different. There’s a high probability if you’re using an Android device that you are also using micro-USB to charge it. If you have other portable tech devices like Bluetooth speakers and headphones, you’re also using micro-USB to charge those too. With micro-USB being the standard for Android devices it makes it much easier for consumers to go with one cable type, and it frees us from the need to buy proprietary chargers like Apple does with its products.
So whether you buy a device from Sony, Samsung, LG, Motorola and so on, in all likelihood your cable is going to be the same type in micro-USB.
The major pitfall of micro-USB is that the plug is not reversible. The top of the plug is slightly smaller than the bottom which forces you to plug in the tip in the proper orientation. Another problem is the micro-USB is “micro”, so it is difficult to see which side is the top and which is the bottom if you have bad eyes like I do. We’ve all been forced to get used to this problem, and we do it without complaint because that is what we are used to.
Scosche, an award winning innovative company, has finally solved the problem with micro-USB and created the first mass market reversible micro-USB tip in a car charger called the Strikedrive EZTIP.
Design
We sometimes get caught up in feeling the need to radically change something in order to “innovate”. But, sometimes the smallest modifications are the ones with the most lasting impact. And Scosche has a great understanding of that with the Strikedrive EZTIP.
Scosche created a fully reversible micro-USB tip that can be plugged into any device with a female micro-USB receptacle. The Scosche micro-USB car charger is rated at 12 watt/2.4amp that provides fast charging while you’re in your car. It also comes with a small charging unit that prevents it from sticking out of the socket, and with a spring coiled cable to keep it off your feet and out of the way.
It is designed to work with Android devices, tablets, cameras, speakers, headphones and anything else with micro-USB.
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Usage
For a few months I had given up using micro-USB with my smartphones, because I was using the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. Both of those phones have the USB type-C charging standard. While USB type-C can theoretically transfer data files faster than micro-USB, the main advantage is that it is the first plug to be fully reversible. While using both Nexus devices is when I learned how important that feature is.
Standard micro-USB(left), Strikedrive EZTIP(middle), USB type-C(right)
Not having to look at which way I plug my charging cable in is a huge benefit, especially when driving. The last thing you want to do is look at your charging cable while on the road as it can be life endangering. We know we aren’t supposed to be looking at, or touching our smartphones while driving, but the reality is there are still many of us who do.
I can tell you from experience with USB type-C, that having a reversible tip is a feature you shouldn’t overlook. The Scosche Strikedrive EZTIP works no differently than USB type-C, and fits as snug as micro-USB. I have been using the Scosche reversible micro-USB car charger with a whole host of devices, and it works incredibly well and is something that should replace the standard micro-USB tip.
Summary
Having a symmetrical charging tip is something you probably thought would have been the accepted standard versus the traditional micro-USB plug we use now. But it isn’t. We have to fumble with our charging cables, and look closely to make sure they are inserted in the right direction. Scosche solves that seemingly minor issue with the Strikedrive EZTIP and the reversible micro-USB car charger.
It seems minor, but once you have tried it you will want to replace all of your micro-USB cables. And there’s no more important area to replace your cable than in the car if you’re the type to mess with your devices while driving. It’s small changes like the reversible micro-USB tip that have the biggest impacts on our lives, and Scosche hit a home run with its Strikedrive EZTIP car charger.
Learn more at Scosche or at Amazon.com.
The post Scosche Strikedrive EZTIP reversible micro USB car charger: review appeared first on AndroidGuys.
42 HD textured and simple wallpapers for your mobile devices
Not everyone likes to have a busy background. That’s why we have assembled 42 HD wallpapers that are sure to keep your background simple yet great looking at the same time.
All of our wallpapers are a minimum of 1080p resolution, which means they will look great on any of your devices. The collection may be a little eclectic, but with the wide range you should be able to find a few to your liking.
The wallpapers are all in the scrolling images above, and if you want to save them, follow these instructions:
- Click the left/right arrows to scroll through the images
- Maximize the image you like by clicking on it
- Long press or hold down on the image and click “save”
- Go to your gallery or Google Photos and find your image
- Click “use as” and then click wallpaper
If you see a wallpaper that belongs to you and you would like to receive credit, I would love to give it to you! Just drop a comment in the section provided below with some proof (You know, just so we don’t have people claiming things that are not theirs…) So, please choose those that you like and enjoy!
Some of my favorites are listed below.
The post 42 HD textured and simple wallpapers for your mobile devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Vertical scroller ‘Downwell’ fires its way to Android
Downwell is finally coming to the Play Store. The vertical scroller where your character falls down a well (hence, the name) while battling enemies was only available via Steam and for iOS devices. Its creator Ojiro Fumoto has been developing the Android version for quite a while, and he’s just announced on Twitter that it’s coming out on January 27th, 12nn PT/3pm ET. He didn’t mention how much the Devolver-published game would cost you, but it’s priced at $2.99 on iTunes. We don’t see it on Google Play yet, though, so you’ll just have to try searching for it later.
Downwell, if this is the first time you’ve heard of it, has garnered many positive reviews during its lifetime. Metacritic gave it a score of 91 and Polygon reviewer Douglas Wilson said it’s the best game he played in 2015.
Sorry for the wait! Android version will hit tomorrow 😉 pic.twitter.com/FyZKW6l4zJ
— Ojiro (@moppin_) January 26, 2016
Source: Ojiro Fumoto
Snapchat for Android updated with support for ‘Video Rewind’ filter
Snapchat has begun rolling out a much-requested maintenance update for its Android client through the Play Store. According to the short changelog, the upgrade introduces the sought-after Video Rewind filter, which previously was only available to users of the social networking platform who sent snaps using an iPhone, iPod or iPad.
The filter enables users to record a standard 10-second video using Snapchat, then play it in reverse by applying the Rewind overlay. Using the feature couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve recorded the video, just swipe right until you see three reverse arrows appear on the screen. Then you can watch the clip in reverse.
There are two ways to download the update. You can manually fetch it by grabbing your smartphone or tablet, opening up the Play Store, toggling the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of your display, selecting ‘My Apps’, clicking on ‘Snapchat’, then tapping the ‘Update’ button. Alternatively, you can sideload it onto your handset by installing the APK below.
Come comment on this article: Snapchat for Android updated with support for ‘Video Rewind’ filter
Google Hangouts version 7.0 rolling out, quick replies and conversation shortcuts on board
Things don’t change often in the world of Google Hangouts, so every time we see a cool new feature arrive it’s worthy of celebration. It is the IM service all Android users have by default, after all (whether you use it or not).
Reports of Hangouts version 7.0 rolling out have started hitting the web. But there’s more than just a lucky number to this upgrade. Google has graced us with a couple features that many of us have actually been hoping for.
See also: 10 best messenger apps for Android
The first one (and the coolest, in my opinion) is the implementation of quick replies. What this does is allow you to reply to a Hangouts message without having to go into the app. When you receive an instant message notification, simply hit the reply button and a floating screen will show up. Type in your message and send away without having to go away from what you were doing.
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There’s also a new option that allows you to create conversation shortcuts on your home screen. Simply open a Hangouts conversation, hit the 3-dot menu button in the top-right corner and select “Save to Home Screen”. An icon with your contact’s profile picture will show up in your home screen so you can message away quicker than ever.
Both great additions, right? I am a huge Hangouts user, so these are definitely welcomed improvements by my book. Are you as excited about them? Be patient, as these updates roll out periodically. If you just can’t wait, though, here is a link to download your APK file. Enjoy!
Download the Google Hangoute 7.0 APK
Visit the Google Hangouts Play Store page
Google drops the Nexus 5X price again, to $299
If the earlier price drop for the Nexus 5X wasn’t quite enough to make you pull the trigger, you might want to look again. Google has quietly slashed its official store’s price on the 5X once again, to $299; we understand that European prices have dropped, too. It’s not clear how permanent this cut will be, but it’s making the reference Android phone that much more tempting compared to upper-mid-range competition from the likes of Motorola or OnePlus. Just be patient — we’ve seen at least some reports that the Nexus 5X is out of stock, so you may have to wait a little while to plunk down some cash.
Via: Droid-Life
Source: Google Store
Firefox gives you push notifications from websites
If you’ve wanted websites to push notifications whenever there’s a big update, you’ve typically had to use a browser like Chrome or Safari. As of today, though, there’s a third option: Mozilla has released Firefox 44, which brings push notifications to all desktop users. Grant a site permission and you’ll get a heads-up whenever there’s an important story or alert, whether or not a given site is open. It’s arguably an overdue feature, but it’s hard to knock having more choice.
This update isn’t just a one-trick pony. On the desktop, it’ll let you play H.264 video (Mozilla’s once-hated nemesis) if your system has a native decoder. It also ditches older, less secure web certificates. And don’t worry, Android is getting some updates too — you can finally choose a home page to display on startup, get search history suggestions and use Android’s native services for cloud printing. Whichever platform you use, you can grab the Firefox update today.
[Image credit: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images]
Source: Mozilla Blog
We ranked the top 5 flagship Android phones you can get right now
Flagship smartphones are the race cars of the mobile device market. With normal automobiles you don’t need to go 200mph just to get to work. You don’t need specialized tires, exhausts, engines, and steering wheels for an everyday driver, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to go fast. Sometimes you want more than you need, and there is nothing wrong with that if you can afford it.
Without race cars, the limits of automobile technology wouldn’t be pushed. Did you know the rear view mirror and disk brakes came from race cars? What seemed innovative when those products were invented are now standard on all cars and trucks.
The smartphone industry is no different – flagship smartphones push the limits of what you can do with mobile technology. 1080p HD displays were “overkill” just two years ago, but are now almost a must have on a smartphone no matter the price. Fast processors, ultra-clear displays, massive amounts of RAM, and killer cameras on flagships make the mobile tech industry move forward.
While budget smartphones are an area of focus for me, I realize I may have forgotten about the enthusiasts who do want to go 200mph on their commute to work. So I have put together my list of the best flagships you can get before Mobile World Conference brings us a whole host of new phones for 2016.
Bear in mind, when 2016 came about, I made a vow to only use smartphones that are unlocked and cost less than $400. Flagship smartphones are a passion of mine, but for 2016 I am only going to use and review smartphones that can save you hundreds of dollars.
With that being said, I still want to share the top five Android flagship smartphones you can get today without taking money into consideration.
Number 5 – HTC One A9
One of the most underrated phones is the HTC made One A9. Software wise, it is one of the few devices that actually runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with its litany of features many users yearn for. The One A9 is very easy to hold with an all metal design, has a fantastic fingerprint reader for security, and comes with UH OH protection. No other flagship offers free protection from accidents, and that is what sets the A9 apart from the crowd.
No matter how hard some people try, they will drop, scratch and break phones – even with cases on. Replacing or fixing a device is never cheap unless you buy the HTC One A9 since it is free. And better yet, with Android 6.0 the A9 runs buttery smooth and has great battery life.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, Octa-core; 64-bit, 4 x 1.5GHz + 4 x 1.2GHz
- Memory: 3GB RAM / 32GB Storage
- Main camera: 13MP with sapphire cover lens, auto-focus , BSI sensor, OIS, ƒ/2.0, 1080p video recording
Front camera: HTC UltraPixel™, fixed focus, ƒ/2.0, 1080p video recording - Display: 5.0 inch, Full HD 1080p
HTC One A9 at – Amazon.com, AT&T, Sprint
Number 4 – Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
Without question the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is one of the most unique 5.1″ smartphones you can get today. It has a gorgeous 2.5D dual curved display that easy to use in one hand. With a Samsung made Exynos octa-core processor, and 3GB of RAM, the S6 edge frequently sits atop benchmark tests even though this phone was released almost a year ago.
The dual edge display wraps around the sides to give the phone a full display without bezels. As beautiful as the S6 edge is, the best part about the phone is the 16MP rear camera which is only matched in quality by its bigger brother, the Galaxy Note5. No other non Galaxy smartphone comes close to the high-quality pictures from the S6 lineup. And that 2k Super AMOLED display is to die for.
The main gripes I have with the S6 edge are the lack of expandable memory, slow updates, and replaceable battery. But it is still a great device you can still use in one hand.
Specs:
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 2.1GHz, 1.5GHz; Octa-Core
- Memory: 3GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.1 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~577 ppi pixel density) Super AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge at Amazon.com, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile
Number 3 – Samsung Galaxy Note5
Any other year and the Samsung Galaxy Note would have been my top pick. The Samsung Galaxy Note line is arguably the most functional smartphone you can get with its top of the line specs, and one of a kind stylus. When the first Note came out, people laughed and said the large display was unwieldy. But the choice to go with a 5.7″ display set the trend for other large smartphones.
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While the Note5 sits at number three, it used to sit at number one for me. Samsung decided to take away features like the IR Blaster, expandable memory, and removable battery from its most prolific smartphone. It replaced those features with an S6 like build that indluded a metal frame sandwiched in between two very sturdy pieces of Gorilla Glass 4. The processor, camera, and 2k AMOLED display are the best you can get on any smartphone. And like the S6 edge, the Note5 also has built-in wireless charging capabilities making it much more convenient to recharge your device.
And the S-Pen, while not for everyone, is super useful for those who still like to use a pen for note taking.
Random question – Did you know Samsung refers to the Note5 without a space in the name?
Specs:
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 2.1GHz, 1.5GHz; Octa-Core
- Memory: 4GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.7 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~518 ppi pixel density) Super AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy Note5 at Amazon.com, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
Number 2 – LG V10
LG quietly sneaked out a powerhouse in the second half of 2015 with the LG V10. The LG V10 is a dual display smartphone with just about every feature you can think of. The dual display is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge design from 2014, but instead of the second display being on the side, it sits on top of the main display. You can control your music, see current weather conditions, check recently used apps,and see notifications all without disturbing your main display.
The V10 also added real steel siding to the smartphone that gives it a gorgeous look with a four foot drop rating to keep it from breaking in minor accidents. The base memory is also massive at 64GB with the option to expand via the micro SD card slot, and it also has a user replaceable battery too. I find the V10 to be the replacement for what I miss most in the Galaxy Note5. The Quantum 2k display is a real gem too – it has one of the clearest displays of any smartphone and it does it without Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology.
If you like HiFi music, the V10 also has a built in digital to analog converter(DAC) which is audiophile code for a chip that makes music sound awesome. The built-in DAC sets the V10 apart from all other Android smartphones.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 MSM8992, Hexa-core, 1800 MHz, ARM Cortex-A57 and ARM Cortex-A53, 64-bit
- Memory: 4GB RAM/64GB Storage
- Main camera: 16MP
Front camera: 5MP
- Display: 5.7 inch, F1440 x 2560 pixels (~515 ppi pixel density) Quantum IPS
LG V10 at Amazon.com, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
The best of the best Google Nexus 6P
You can’t go wrong with any of the top three phones if you like plus sized phones. But the Huawei made Google Nexus 6P is the overall champ of the flagships. It comes in an all metal body that is gorgeous, easy to hold, slim and “premium”.
What sets the Nexus 6P apart from the others is the ability to be used across any network, including Google’s own Project Fi, and the pure unadulterated version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Manufacturers are struggling mightily to keep up with Google’s software updates, and sometimes over customize what Android should be.
The Nexus 6P doesn’t have the greatest specs on paper, but with a clean version of Android it has incredible battery life, access to the most timely updates, and the smoothest software interface of all Android smartphones. The included fingerprint reader on the back is also amazing with incredible accuracy, and your finger will not only unlock your device, it will also turn on the display.
Other flagships that are sold through wireless carriers get added bloatware, and another layer of customization which slows updates to a grinding halt while taking up valuable space. Pure Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Google’s idea of what mobile software should be and I agree 100%. It’s fast, clean, and gets regular updates.
Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 2.0 GHz Octa-core 64-bit
- Memory: 3GB RAM/32GB Storage
- Main camera: 12.3MP
Front camera: 8MP
- Display: 5.7 inch,WQHD (2560 x 1440) AMOLED display at 518 ppi
Nexus 6P at Amazon.com, and Google.com
I know my top five smartphones you can get today may not match your list. Let me know what your top five phones you can get today are below.
The post We ranked the top 5 flagship Android phones you can get right now appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Get the full-featured BlitzWolf VR headset for just $22 on sale this week
The Blitzwolf VR headset is on sale now for just $23.99 with an additional 10% savings when you use discount code 12blitzw at checkout.
Most VR headsets you can buy for around $20 are just about the basics. They’re usually made of cardboard, come in a fixed size, and are fun for about five minutes. And if you want better built virtual reality headsets like the Gear VR from Samsung, you’ll end up spending $100. Bangood.com is having a limited time sale on the Blitzwolf VR headset which is a full package designed for truly enjoying movies, games, and 3D content on devices with screens 3.5-6″. Best of all you don’t have to make compromises just because of the fantastic price.
In case you’re wondering, it works with Android devices as well as iPhones. The Blitzwolf VR headset is not made from cardboard, instead it is made from quality ABS plastic with resin lenses for optimal durability. It also comes with a comfortable head strap so you can enjoy your virtual reality content for hours versus minutes. Best of all it’s on sale for less than $22 when you use discount code 12blitzw for an additional 10% savings.
When you buy from banggood.com you also get a three day price guarantee. Find it cheaper somewhere else and they will refund you the difference. The Blitzwolf VR headset comes with free shipping and an 18-month warranty.
BlitzWolf VR Headset
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Use discount code 12blitzw for an additional 10% off.
Product information:
| Brand | BlitzWolf® |
| Model | BW-VR1 |
| OS Support | Android & IOS |
| Phone SreenSize Support | 3.5″- 6.0″ (Lmax: 154mm Wmax: 82mm) |
| FOV | 70°-80° |
| Pupil Distance Adjust | 55mm-75mm |
| Focal Distance Adjust | ±5mm |
| Screen Resolution Suggest | Above 1080P |
| Effect | The equivalent of five meters away to see 320-inch screen |
| Material | ABS shell with piano paint tech, imported resin lenses with 8 nano coating layers,artificial leather patch |
| Weight | 380g(Glasses)+150g(Package) |
| Size | 200*100*140mm |
| Color | Black |
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AIVAnet 