(Deal) Start developing for Android Marshmallow now for only $25
We should be seeing the official release of Android Marshmallow by the end of this month, if not early next month. With the impending release, it would be a good time to either brush up your development skills, or start learning so that you can hit the ground running. Today’s deal from AndroidGuys and StackCommerce aims to help you out with that.
The Android Marshmallow Mobile Developer Course helps you not only develop applications for your mobile device, but also your various wearables. With over 14 hours of Java Development training, you can be sure to start creating whatever app ideas you have in your mind now.
- Code Android M phone & smart watch apps using Java w/ over 93 lectures & 14.5 hours of content
- Learn to use Google’s main API’s when making Android apps
- Understand the Wearable API to create apps for wearables
- Learn to code in Java from scratch
- Build five varied apps—from a weather app to a unit convertor
- Navigate the process of publishing apps
We aren’t saying this is a guaranteed way to develop an app that will take a stranglehold of the top spot in the Play Store, but it will surely help guide the way. Normally priced at $199, you can jump on this great deal for only $24.99. That’s a savings of almost 90%. So be sure to head over to the AndroidGuys Deals page, and grab this great deal today.
You can find this, and many other great tech bargains through our Deals Page. Backed by StackCommerce, there are daily promos, giveaways, freebies, and much more!
The post (Deal) Start developing for Android Marshmallow now for only $25 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android device running slow? Here’s how to speed up your phone
Android devices have a tendency of getting old. And not only in the physical way, prolonged usage can also take a toll on performance, making it seem like you need to upgrade your phone sooner than you thought. What gives? Well, you may be able to save your smartphone by performing a few tricks that can push your handset forward, possibly making it as snappy as the first day you turned it on.
Keep reading to get your device up to speed!
Delete and disable unnecessary apps
Like me, you probably have way too many apps on your smartphone. We all download applications without even thinking about it. After some testing we realize they are no good, and it’s normal to simply forget about these applications and leave them roaming around the app drawer.
This is fine when you have a lot of storage, but some may need to save that precious space. Not to mention, this software may be running in the background at times. Unused apps are definitely resource hogs, so just get rid of them! You can do this by using the app manager in your settings, or by long-pressing apps in your drawer and dragging them to the “Uninstall” section.
Clear the cache data
Don’t know what cached data is? Well, it’s a good thing to have it, as it actually speeds up your device. By saving some data locally, the system can reduce loading times and avoid the need to grab the same bits from the Internet every single time you enter a website or app.
The issue is that cache can build up and become pretty heavy on your smartphone’s internal storage. Try to clear it from time to time, as it can also get old. The option is available for individual apps through the app manager, or you can look for a cache cleaning application in the Google Play Store.
Clean your device storage
Got too much music, videos and other files around? Filling up your internal storage can affect performance, so try to keep your phone memory as tidy as possible. Go through all your files and decide what you will actually use and what is just taking up space for no good reason.
Get rid of widgets!
Widgets are very cool, but they can be huge resource hogs and slow down your device. These windows of information are constantly fetching data and looking for updates. Try to limit your widget usage as much as possible. Of course, don’t sacrifice your whole experience either; after all, widgets are among of the coolest things the Android OS offers. Just keep it limited to what you will actually take advantage of.
Dump the live wallpaper
And here’s another awesome Android feature that is not exactly the best at keeping your smartphone clean and smooth. Live wallpapers sure are fun, but they affect performance and battery life. Unless you are willing to sacrifice a bit for those fancy animations, just go grab a regular image.
Keep your phone’s software up to date
Have you been putting off installing that update that keeps nagging you in the notification area? Remember software updates are not always about new features. In fact, most times the main purpose of these OTA upgrades is to squash bugs and introduce performance enhancements. Make sure your phone’s software is always on the latest version available.
Rooting?
If you really want to go nuts and unlock the door to a whole other series of possibilities, you can root your phone. Once you get total access to your device you can install cleaner ROMs that will keep your phone running smoother. It’s even possible to overclock the processor and make it work extra hard for you, hence making the phone faster.
Just keep in mind these methods are not for the faint of heart. Rooting your phone can be a complicated process, and it can void your warranty. Not to mention the fact that you can often deem your device unusable if you fail to do things right. Want to follow this path? Be very careful, follow instructions, and do your homework first.
Perform a factory data reset!
Phones get old, but that isn’t exactly why they get slower with time. A lot goes on within your handset’s software, so giving it a clean start from time to time is never a bad idea. Sometimes even trying all the previous tips will get you nowhere. In which case the best bet would be to just go ahead and do a factory data reset.
What is a factory data reset? It’s pretty much a method in which you wipe your phone clean and leave the software just the way it was the first time you turned the phone on. Keep in mind this will delete everything in your phone, so back up any important files first!
The option is in your phone’s settings under “Backup and reset”. There’s also ways to do a factory reset using the recovery menu, but the steps are different for every phone. Google is your friend!
Wrapping up
Now, if none of this works, it’s time to get yourself a new device! Let us refer you to our “Best Android phones” article, where we tell you which are the most awesome handsets around. These are all super high-end, so you know you won’t be getting any slowdowns.
Hit the comments and let us know which of these are the most effective tricks for you. Do you know of any other ways to make your phone faster?
How to use Android Pay before it’s officially released
Android Pay may not be making an appearance until September 16th, at least officially, but one video has surfaced showing that actually everything you need to get Android Pay working is already in place and it works just fine.
This guy has published a video showing Android Pay being used at multiple stores:
Despite Android Pay not existing as its own standalone APK just yet, Google Play Services 8.1.03 laid the groundwork for the functionality and the Android Pay activity is just hidden away inside. You can reveal hidden activities using something like Nova Launcher, or even this app which specifically will help you.
You’ll obviously need the latest version of Google Play Services, which differs depending on what class of device you have:
If you’ve found the necessary APK you need to get Android Pay working, then go ahead and download it and sideload it onto your device. Once you’ve done so, simply launch the Android Pay activity from within Google Play Services (using those apps we mentioned above) and there you go; Google will walk you through the rest.
Drop us a comment below if this worked for you and if you’ve had luck paying with your Android Pay registered cards in store.
Via: Phandroid
The post How to use Android Pay before it’s officially released appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Tizen Uprising: Will a mid-range Z3 allow Samsung’s OS to reach a larger crowd?
The Samsung Z3 (left) dwarfs the Z1 (right) in every way possible.
Despite initial reports that Samsung’s first commercially released Tizen smartphone was a flop, the device went on hit a major milestone in key markets where it was sold. Still, the mainstream media and phone-loving public were quick to dismiss the device, known as the Z1, both because of its unabashed low-end specs, and the fact that it runs an, essentially, brand new mobile OS that is devoid of the robust app marketplace Android and iOS enjoy.
Much as how Microsoft sought to skip Windows 9, so too does it look like Samsung will play parlay with darling digits: the upcoming – yet still unofficial – Z3 smartphone is shaping up to be bigger and better than its predecessor in every way possible. Literally.
New images of the device supplied by Tizen Cafe, and coupled with specs as listed on SamMobile paint the following picture of the device. It will allegedly have a/an:
- 5-inch 1280 X 720 Super AMOLED display
- 1.3GHz Quad-Core Spreadtrum SC7730S SoC
- 1.5GB of RAM
- 8-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front camera
- Dual SIM support
- 2600mAh battery
- Tizen 3.0
Obviously these specs are decidedly mid-range material, especially when coupled with the Korean OEM’s liberal use of plastic for the build, however when compared to the original Z1, this is a major upgrade.
For reference, the original Z1 came with a 4-inch 400X800 PLS TFT display, a 1.2GHz Dual-Core Spreadtrum SC7727S SoC, 768MB of RAM, 3.15-megapixel rear camera and VGA front-facing camera, a 1500mAh battery, and Tizen 2.3.
A story of success, however “small” it may be
As far as Tizen goes, this is a significant upgrade that is posed to pounce on customers in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal where the device is supposedly going to launch. There may be a larger picture in mind however, given that reports have been surfacing for some time now indicating Samsung may have an intention to release this device, or a future one, in Europe. Indeed Russia was once going to be the testing bed for Tizen for the scrapped Samsung Z device that never made it to market.
The Samsung Z1 has sold over 1,000,000 units since it first launched.
Given that the Z1 had sold a million units as of June, clearly it found a market. In fact, it found a market curiously larger than last year’s Galaxy Note Edge which, as of this February, had only sold an estimated 630,000 units worldwide. Naturally pricing was an issue here, and indeed the Z1 can currently be purchased directly from Samsung India for an impressively reasonable 4,990 Rupees (roughly $75 US).
While it’s difficult to find concrete sales numbers related to Firefox OS devices, given a recent report that Mozilla will change its strategy and focus on higher-end products, Tizen has certainly managed to score, especially given that some of Mozilla’s partners produced products priced at a preposterously petite $25. For reference, LG’s “high end” Firefox phone, the Japan-only Fx0 certainly raised a few eyebrows when it launched, but – at least based on personal observation – has absolutely failed to gain any market share whatsoever in Japan.
Much to do about market and mainstream
The real question is what Samsung plans to do with its Tizen smartphones, and perhaps more specifically, where it plans to take it. Let’s consider a few possible scenarios and what each entails.
Low-end, small-scale
As it stands now, the Z1 is a low-end device, and even the Z3 -while having significantly spectacular specs- is still boarder-line mid-range. Samsung could continue to market and sell future products in developing countries which typically have a price sensitive market. Interestingly enough this would actually play well into Samsung’s “strategy” with its Galaxy products: even the low-end J-series is priced significantly higher than the Z1.
The (smart) decision to skin Tizen so that it looks remarkably similar to the TouchWiz that adorns Android is definitely a plus. By keeping costs at an absolute low, or at least lower than the cheapest Galaxy devices, Samsung can foster an environment where budget-conscious customers still feel comfortable buying into its established brand name, as opposed to a more unfamiliar competitor’s offering from China.
This has been one of the key problems, as keen competition from companies like Huawei and Xiaomi – as well as Indian brands like Micromax – have eroded the absolute domination Samsung once had. Focusing on markets like India, China would still keep things globally small scale, yet potentially patch up the declining sales in the region.
Low-end, large scale
While hardly low-end, the upcoming Gear S2 smartwatches are definitely designed for mass-market appeal.
If Samsung were to offer the Z1, or even the Z3 on a large scale, the results would potentially be quite pessimistic. Customers in markets like the United States, Canada, and various European countries may be far less receptive to an upstart mobile OS, if they even consider it at all. While the prospect of an extremely cheap phone is indeed nice, many carriers offer lower-end products at $0 down with a two-year contract, and they at least run Android and have access to the seemingly endless numbers of apps in the Google Play Store.
Until Samsung can get major, mainstream app development support for Tizen, arguably the best it could hope to become is a competitor to Microsoft and the Windows Phone platform, at least in markets like North America. Even then things are likely to diverge quite soon given that Windows 10 will feature Continuum and thus allow for a great deal of connectivity and convergence between the full-blown OS and the mobile counterpart.
High end, scale-independent
On the other hand, Samsung could go high end and release a power-packed Z4 that rivals the Galaxy S6. In theory, there is nothing stopping the company from doing so, or even using a curved Super AMOLED display in the process.
The problem here is that a premium device will command a premium price. While the Z1 has sold quite well largely due to being budget-friendly, how well would a $600 Z4 sell? Regardless of the scale of sale, customers in any market would arguably be compelled to buy a premium Android offering instead, for the sole fact that the app ecosystem is so rich. Take away the low price and customers in India or Bangladesh would be forced to view the Z4 in the same light as the Galaxy S6, thus making offerings by Huawei and such instantly more appealing.
The original Samsung Z, which never commercially released, was much more of an upper-mid range device.
Of course, Samsung could technically release a Z4 that has S6-eqsue specs and yet charge considerably less for the product. This would definitely give it a competitive advantage yet would also, paradoxically, serve to imply the S6 was vastly overpriced. It would, in a sense, give the impression that the inclusion of Android is what demands the costly expenditure and thus without it, the phone (this theoretical “Z4” being discussed) could be much cheaper. The end result might be general backlash.
What does this mean for Android?
As things stand now, Google is not likely to perceive Tizen as a threat, even if Samsung is clearly trying to position it as such. Indeed the fact that the company’s Gear smartwatches use Tizen as well as plans for an Internet Of Things-future tied to the platform (Version 3.0 will specifically include support for such cross-device compatibility.
This would create a sort of digital uroboros, but the serpent would ultimately be circling Google. It’s good for Samsung, but counter-intuitive to what Tizen arguably represents.
Ironically despite all the time and effort Samsung has poured into the Tizen platform, it currently exists in a rather curious state not unlike the Nokia X devices that released last year: Prior to Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s mobile division, Espoo released the X-series of smartphones; devices that were actually running Android. Of course, these products were heavily skinned in such a way that they resembled Windows Phone 8.1. The plan was supposedly that the Nokia X products would familiarize customers with the look and feel of Microsoft’s mobile platform and thus foster a logical upgrade to it when time came to change devices.
The fact that the Z1 and Z3’s build of Tizen looks like Android – or at least TouchWiz Android – might very well be viewed as fostering the same phenomenon: hook customers with the basics and then get them committed to the OEM and interface such that future purchases entail more premium products. Of course, these products will be running Android. This would create a sort of digital uroboros, but the serpent would ultimately be circling Google. It’s good for Samsung, but counter-intuitive to what Tizen arguably represents.
Wrap up
Samsung ultimately has big plans for Tizen, and Version 3.0 of the mobile OS will facilitate that with IoT support.
While the Samsung Z1 was never meant to turn heads outside of the key Asian markets it released -save for perhaps Samsung fans intend on owning every device- the Z3 has the potential to attract a fare share larger magnitude of attention. Granted those in love with products like the Galaxy S6 Edge or the Galaxy Note 5 will likely never even know it exists, but big things can indeed start small. And in this case, Samsung is literally going bigger in every way possible. It will be quite interesting to see what the future has in store for Tizen, as well as what comes from the aforementioned reports of a pending European launch.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Could Tizen ultimately become a real threat for Android or is Samsung basically throwing money down the proverbial toilet? Would you consider purchasing a Z3 for the sake of novelty, as a back-up phone, or even a daily driver? Please leave us your comments below and by all means, let us know!
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Nokia C1 render shows up as a Android-powered smartphone
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Despite the fact that Nokia is unable to get back into smartphones until 2016 – courtesy of their agreement with Microsoft after selling off their devices business – there have been quite a few rumours surrounding future devices that could be released once Nokia is allowed to release smartphones again. The latest rumour surrounds the device called the Nokia C1, pictured below, which is the only evidence provided by this report, which we inevitably have to take with a grain of salt at this point in time. This isn’t the first time that the Nokia C1 has been mentioned, previously being rumoured to have a 5-inch 720p display, Intel processor, 2GB RAM and 8MP camera.
It’s worth noting that the last time Nokia spoke about the possibility of working on smartphones again, they mentioned it would most likely be in a design and licence type situation where they would design the device and have their branding on the device, but an external manufacturer would make the device for them, which is exactly what happened for their brilliant Nokia N1 tablet. It would also explain why the device in the renders looks nothing like existing Nokia devices, except maybe the Nokia N1, which was manufactured at Foxconn.
What do you think about the Nokia C1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Nokia C1 render shows up as a Android-powered smartphone appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google Translate update: convert text across all apps when running Marshmallow
Have you noticed an update to the Google Translate app? You may have realized there is not much of a change. That is, unless you are running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, in which case you definitely have something new to look forward to.
The Google Translate team has been hard at work bringing system-wide translation to our devices, adding the ability to decipher text across all applications. This means users no longer need to go through the hassles of switching to the Translate app, entering a word (or phrase), translating it, copying it, then going back to paste it in the application of choice. Those with the latest Android version can now simply highlight text from any app and translate it instantly. It’s as easy as pie.
#gallery-1
margin: auto;
#gallery-1 .gallery-item
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 50%;
#gallery-1 img
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption
margin-left: 0;
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
We know: this is no good for most of us right now, as very few people are using the Android 6.0 Marshmallow preview software. It’s definitely a sign of good things to come, though. This is only a taste of what Marshmallow can do with text. Not only will this feature be available to all users once Android 6.0 starts spreading, but other applications and services may be able to take advantage of these capabilities later on.
Interested? You will have to wait until you get Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device. On the Google Translate side, the update is already available from the Google Play Store. Have any of you tested this feature yet? Do tell us how it’s treating you!
LG Nexus 5X (2015) shown off in the clearest picture yet
The LG-made Nexus 5 2015 model, also known as the Nexus 5X, is no stranger to the camera having been leaked multiple times before, but this time we’re got one of the clearest images we’ve seen so far.
The only detail that seems different about this device is that we have previously seen the LG logo along the bottom of the device below the Nexus logo on the rear of the casing but it would appear that it may have been removed for the final design.
This is by far the clearest shot we’ve seen of the Nexus 5X and shows the pretruding camera (expected to be 12.7-Megapixel), dual LED flash, and fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device.
The Nexus 5X is expected to have a Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 5.2-inch 1080p display, a 2,700mAh non-removable battery, and either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.
Likely to be announced around September 29th, the Nexus 5X could only be a few weeks away. What are your thoughts of the Nexus 5X?
Source: AndroidPIT
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New leaked renders show Nokia C1 Android phone
At one time, Nokia was regarded as the gold standard for mobile phones. They were incredibly reliable and incredibly durable. Don’t believe me? Just google search Nokia memes.
Now Nokia is known for making mobile devices for the pretty lackluster Windows mobile platform. But fear not, apparently Nokia is getting back in the game. Late last year our own Jalen Benjamin reported on a blurry leaked concept render of an Android phone called the C1.
The Nokia C1 may be Nokia’s next Android smartphone in early 2015.
Nokia was quick to come out and say that it was only a concept. After all, they have a non-compete clause in their partnership with Microsoft after selling them their mobile phone division. That clause expires at the end of the year.
There is also a rumor that they’ll go the route of their Android tablet the N1, which they designed, but had another manufacturer build. Apparently there is a loophole in their contract with Microsoft. They are only forbidden from manufacturing mobile devices.
Yesterday a C1 render was leaked on a Chinese Twitter-like site.
The device appears to be very thin and the body is very reminiscent of the iPhone 6 and 6+. The screen has minimal bezels and appears to be a unibody construction.
If previous rumors are to be believed then it will debut with a 5″ 720p screen, an 8mp rear facing camera, a 5mp front facing camera, 2GB RAM, and an Intel Atom processor. Of course that would put it right smack dab in the lower mid-range budget smartphone market. That is if rumors are to be believed.
There’s not much more to be gleaned at this point, but here’s to hoping that we’ll see another bullet proof Nokia phone, this time running Android.
What do you think? Do you like the render? Would you consider buying this phone? Let us know in the comments below.
The post New leaked renders show Nokia C1 Android phone appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Hopper making turbulence with good deals, now on Android
Are you familiar with Hopper? Well unless you are a habitual traveler, the answer is probably not. Well if you aren’t living in airports, like some of us, Hopper is a fare finding application that attempts to find the lowest prices for trips that you’re taking.
The relatively new service is on the radar for those of us looking for the cheapest airfare possible to the places they are going. It will send you a notification when the app determines it is the right time to buy a ticket. The way they find that particular airfare is based on algorithms that predict if the prices are likely to go up or down in the near future.
Hopper works with all the airlines directly. What that means is you probably won’t see all of the low-cost airfares, unless the airline has been willing to give Hopper access to their database in real time. So although you may not have access to all the exotic destinations with only a couple of layovers to get there, it looks like most of the important points are going to be covered.
The application is quick to download, and looks easy to use. No special class is required to use this. Which is already one step further than some other offerings in this area.
Some interesting points about this application are:
The When To Fly Calendar is a feature within the new application that will help you with the best times of the day/ week or month to book certain fares.
For example, if you’re looking for the best time to book a trip to Italy, the When to Fly feature would tell you what days or weeks would be best.
The Price Prediction feature of Hopper for Android, will tell you when a fare will change in price. Hopper has been up to 95% accurate in telling the user of the service when an airfare will go up and when the same airfare will go back down, thereby saving hundreds of dollars on certain trips.
Hopper also has a great feature called Watch a Trip, which is watching the trips you want to book. Also at what price you booked any trip similar to that in the past or have planned for. If that trip’s price drops greatly then the app will notify the customer of the rate drop immediately, because the price won’t stay there long.
So, before you go somewhere like Orbitz or some other second rate website, try Hopper to book your next trip to… well, maybe CES? Go check out this great way to save on airfares. It’s available in the Google Play Store now!
The post Hopper making turbulence with good deals, now on Android appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Sony starts rolling out Lollipop OTA for the Xperia T2 Ultra Dual
Sony has at last started rolling out the long-awaited Android 5.1.1 update to all unlocked variants of the Xperia T2 Ultra Dual. In addition to the latest build of the operating system, this upgrade also transports a much-needed patch for the Stagefright security exploit.
All the changes you’d expect to find in the Lollipop software are bundled into this upgrade, including support for multiple accounts, improved notifications, stronger 256-bit encryption, a smoother multitasking experience personal unlocking and Material Design.
As is the norm, the update is being rolled out in stages, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device to hit your unit, you could always search for the upgrade manually. To do so, open the Settings app, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”.
Come comment on this article: Sony starts rolling out Lollipop OTA for the Xperia T2 Ultra Dual
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