Nexus device packaging to get new look
Unboxings are pretty boring, so that’s why I like this one of the Nexus 6. It’s a short Vine, but what’s most interesting is the packaging. It’s all new and the emphasis is on the number. I wonder what they will do with the Nexus Player?
Hit the break for the quick, and I mean very quick, Vine video.
https://vine.co/v/OqXigYblJh5/embed/simple
source: PocketDroid
Come comment on this article: Nexus device packaging to get new look
Samsung revamps its lower-end Chromebook with faux leather
It’s taken a while, but people finally seem to be embracing Chromebooks as the low-cost laptops that they were designed to be. Samsung’s already earned our plaudits for this year’s Chromebook 2, but what if you just don’t have $400 to spend on a new piece of hardware? Never fear, for the company has also refreshed the lower-end model from 2012 with better specs, but the same $249.99 price-tag. The low cost doesn’t mean that this new (old) Chromebook can’t be stylish, however, as Samsung has coated the top lid in the same faux-leather backing that we’ve seen on plenty of the company’s other gadgets.
Speaking of the hardware, the Exynos 5 that ran the show in the 2012 model has been ditched in favor of a 2.58GHz Intel Bay Trail CPU (Celeron N2840) paired with 2GB RAM. You’ll also find 16GB storage, Intel HD graphics and an Intel-made 802.11ac WiFi chip lurking beneath the keyboard. Display-wise, there’s a 1,366 x 768 TN screen nestled beneath a 720p webcam, and we’d imagine both have been carried over from the original in order to keep the costs down. In addition to the battery rated for nine hours of life, owners will be some of the first to be able to use Google Help, the company’s Mayday-esque tech support service. Available between 10am – 7pm (ET), all a user needs to do is type Chrome:help into their address bar and, if an agent is available, you’ll be given the option to call them for assistance. If that’s all the information you need before slapping cash on the counter, you’ll be able to pre-order the Chromebook from right now, with shipping commencing at some point next week. If not, then you’ll just have to wait for our review
Dana Wollman contributed to this report.
Nexus 9 available for pre-order on Amazon
Despite the Nexus 9 being available for pre-order today officially through the Google Play Store, Amazon have pulled the trigger early and the Nexus 9 has been available to order since yesterday.
With the Nexus 9 still not actually available for pre-order through the Google Play Store, it seems Amazon is the only place you can put your order in for the new tablet.
The pre-orders from Amazon are showing as a shipping date of 3rd November, which is consistant of that we’d expect from the Google Play Store, so if you want to secure your device you may want to take the plunge with Amazon.
It seems only the US, French, and German stores have the Nexus 9 up for pre-order, but we expect more countries to be added to the list as the day progresses.
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Local multiplayer is coming to Android games
Ever wish that you could just whip out your Android device and harass a passer-by to play games with you? It’s the sort of thing that Nintendo DS users, for example, have been using thanks to that company’s StreetPass feature, but, until now, hasn’t been available on Google’s smartphones. Now, however, the company has an added an update to its games infrastructure that enables “ambient, real-time” games with more than one user – so long that the game relies upon Google’s home-grown multiplayer backend. Still, maybe don’t sprint into the street and start challenging people to a dual, because they might get the wrong idea.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile, Google
Source: Android Developers (G+)
Lollipop to be Released November 3th for Wi-Fi Nexus Devices
Google’s Lollipop is making waves worldwide, causing everyone to wonder who will get a taste of its sweetness first. As far as current models go, the Nexus 4 and 5 will not be receiving the update as promptly as their fellow Nexus devices. The Nexus 10 and 7s (Wi-Fi only) will be receiving the update to Android 5.0 on November 3rd.
The reason the Wi-Fi tablets will be receiving the update first is that it takes more tweaking and fine-tuning to get software working smoothly with a data connection than it does with only Wi-Fi. So, if you have one of these tablets, you can expect an update in about 2.5 weeks. If you have a Nexus phone, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
Source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Lollipop to be Released November 3th for Wi-Fi Nexus Devices
Google Nexus 6 vs LG G3
| Motorola Nexus 6 | LG G3 | |
| OS: | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Dimensions:
Weight: |
159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm (6.27 x 3.27 x 0.40 in.)
184 grams |
146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm (5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 in.)
149 grams |
| Display: | 5.96”; 1440 x 2560; ~493 ppi pixel density; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 5.5”; 1440 x 2560; ~534 ppi pixel density; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Chipset: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 805; 2.7 GHz Quad-core; Adreno 420 GPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801; 2.5 GHz Quad-core; Adreno 330 GPU |
| RAM: | 3GB | 3GB |
| Memory: | 32GB & 64GB | 32GB |
| Connectivity: | HSPA/4G LTE; Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.1; NFC | HSPA/4G LTE; Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.0; NFC |
| Front Camera: | 2MP | 2.1MP |
| Rear Camera: | 13MP; Dual LED flash; w/OIS | 13MP; Dual LED flash; laser assisted autofocus; w/OIS |
| Video: | 2160p@30fps; optical stabilization | 2160p@30fps; 1080p@30fps; optical stabilization; HDR; stereo sound rec. |
| Positioning: | GPS; A-GPS; GLONASS | GPS; A-GPS; GLONASS |
| Battery: | Non-removable 3220 mAh Li-Po | Removable 3000 mAh Li-Ion |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Colors: | Midnight Blue; Cloud White | Metallic Black; Silk White; Shine Gold; Moon Violet; Burgundy Red |
The Nexus 6 and the LG G3 are very closely matched smartphones, but they probably shouldn’t be compared as equals. The Nexus 6 is a phablet, while the LG G3 is really more of a big phone. LG was able to squeeze a 5.5″ screen into a smaller phone by making the bezel as small as possible. This makes the G3 more manageable with one hand than a phone the size of the Nexus 6. To give some perspective, the LG G3 is just slightly bigger than the iPhone 6, but has the same size screen as the iPhone 6 plus. The G3 also gives you a removable battery and expandable memory. The biggest problem with the G3 is LG’s software. The Android skin that LG adds to Android has a couple nice features, but ultimately isn’t worth it. It can be buggy and adds so many redundant features that learning to use the G3 can be confusing. Ultimately, the phone is worth it, but I would kill to have my G3 run vanilla Android 5.0.
The Nexus 6 is the culmination of everything good about Android. The Nexus 6 is a top-quality phablet that features the best version of Android to date, Lollipop. The Nexus 6 has a screen that is half an inch bigger than an iPhone 6 plus (5.96″ vs. 5.5″), but in a phone that is roughly the same size. You will also find a 13MP camera, a pretty good sized battery and just about every feature you would want or need in a smartphone. It would be nice to have the option of expandable memory, but it’s a small complaint with so many companies offering cheap cloud storage.
Really, you can’t go wrong with either of these phones. If you want a smaller phone (but not much smaller) with phablet specs then pick up the LG G3. Honestly, the LG Android skin is annoying, but you can learn to deal with it. At least the G3 is a gorgeous smartphone, that can make up for a lot. I’m almost ready to recommend the Nexus 6 just because of Android 5.0, but there is more to this phablet than a Lollipop. It also features top notch build quality and looks great. Most importantly though, the Nexus 6 is a beast. This is a phablet that should be able to handle anything you can throw at it. Either way you can’t lose.
Source Google, Motorola and LG
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Google’s new Chromecast is coming, but you won’t notice a difference
Last night an apparently refreshed model of Google’s Chromecast streaming dongle popped up in FCC filings (as pointed out by Zatz Not Funny), just like the original did in March last year, but don’t get too excited. Unfortunately, the documents don’t show any real difference that we could find, and didn’t indicate that missing features like support for 5GHz WiFi will be added whenever the H2G2-2A hits the streets. Need more confirmation? Six members of the Chromecast team took part in a coincidentally-timed AMA on Reddit this afternoon, and according to Google Jacky Hayward “we don’t have any new user-facing features planned for this device.” Whatever changes there are in the new model “it will have the same features as the original and most users won’t notice a difference.”
Of course, that doesn’t stop us from thinking of features we would like to see in a new device, and the AMA did result in a few new nuggets of information. Beyond the recent “Backdrop” feature to give users more choice in terms of the info that pops up on their screensaver, there’s a new Chrome OS files app coming (seen in developer builds) that will let users cast photos and video directly from Google Drive. They’re also “looking into” gapless playback for Google Music, are working on smoother transitions for the device, and plan to “continue to innovate” when it comes to HDMI-CEC.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google
Via: Zatz Not Funny
Source: FCC, Chromecast Team AMA (Reddit)
T-Mobile Nexus rumors: No WiFi calling for Nexus 6?
If you’re a customer of the un-carrier and are yearning for a new Nexus device, we have some information you need to hear. A highly placed T-Mobile employee gave us a rough release schedule for the new Nexus 9 and a juicy rumor concerning the Nexus 6. Our source was hesitant to say much because nothing is set in stone yet. Keep in mind that this is preliminary information, so take everything with a grain of salt and don’t be surprised if some of these details change between now and the release.
First up is the Nexus 9. It sounds like you’ll be able to get your hands on your very own Nexus 9 on November 12th. There’s a catch though, you will need to physically visit a store if you want your tablet at the earliest possible moment. Right now, T-Mobile isn’t sure about offering a pre-order for the Nexus 9. However, there is a pre-registration page up. If you pre-register, you will be notified if T-Mobile decides to offer pre-orders or when the company releases the device for sale. Also, T-Mobile hasn’t announced their price for the device yet, but you can expect the pricing to fall in line with other carriers.
Up next is the Nexus 6. As we all know by now, Google tapped Motorola to build this Nexus device. The big rumor concerning the Nexus 6, is that it will lack WiFi calling out of the box. This is strange because T-Mobile has really been pushing WiFi calling recently. Not only does WiFi calling help to make up for T-Mobile’s smaller network, it also allows customers to use their own WiFi network to make calls. This can be a godsend if you live in a basement apartment or live in an area where T-Mobile’s network is lacking. Supposedly, an update will be pushed out to the Nexus 6 in the next 6-8 months that will add WiFi calling, but this could leave a lot of early adopters hanging out to dry. It will be interesting to see how quickly T-Mobile addresses this issue. All things considered, this should be a minor issue to most customers. The Nexus 6 looks to be a great device and will surely serve you well if you decide to pick one up.
Source T-Mobile
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HTC Nexus 9 pre-order goes live one day early on Amazon
The HTC-made Nexus 9 goes up for pre-order tomorrow on Google Play, but Amazon already started the party. Pricing is exactly the same as what Google will offer it for out of the Play Store. It’s $399 for the 16 GB version or $479 for the 32 GB version. You will of course have your choice of either black or white.
Shipping will commence on November 3, but the good news is that it’s on Prime, so you should get it in your hands by November 5 if you are a member. You can take your chances and hope that one of the participating retailers will have it on launch day, but this is one way to secure one for sure. If it were me, I would just wait to grab it in store. I can’t imagine they will be sold out.
Also, this isn’t just a U.S. exclusive. Those of you in France and Germany, can also pre-order now as well, but it’s technically October 17 in those countries.
sources: Amazon U.S. / Amazon Germany / Amazon France
via: Android Central
Come comment on this article: HTC Nexus 9 pre-order goes live one day early on Amazon
Nexus 6 vs Moto X (2014): A civil war within Motorola
Google has finally announced their long-rumored and leaked Nexus 6. As expected, this phone is being manufactured by Motorola, who also fairly recently announced their newest flagship, the Moto X (2014). So, how do the two newest phones from Motorola compare to one another? Read on to find out!
http://smartphones.findthebest.com/w/61ugskDkIBL
One of the things to note, is that the Moto X (2014) is a more average sized smartphone with a 5.2″ screen, while the Nexus 6 is definitely a phablet with a massive 5.96″ screen. However, the Nexus 6 has a nicer display with a whopping 493 ppi, while the Moto X has 424 ppi. Both are AMOLED displays, so their the same in that regard, which means the Nexus 6 comes out on top here.
The battery is a weird tie, with the Nexus 6 getting way more talk time at 24 hours, while the Moto X has 13 hours. However, the Moto X has 576 hours on standby while the Nexus 6 has 300 hours. The Moto X has a 2,300 mAh battery, while the Nexus 6 has a 3,220 mAh.
The Nexus 6 likely has better performance, with a newer Snapdragon 805 processor, and 3 GB of RAM, and the newest version of Android (though the Moto X should update soon).
Cameras are the same, except the Nexus 6 will have Optical Image Stabilization. The Nexus 6 will have wireless charging, while Moto X will not.
It’s also worth noting that the Moto X has a lot of choice with Moto Maker, allowing you to make your device your own. Moto X also has Moto Voice, Moto Display, and other features. The Nexus 6 will have a feature like Moto Voice, but without the ability to customize a hotword.
To top it all off, the Nexus 6 costs $649 unlocked, while the Moto X costs $499 unlocked.
After all is said and done, it’s hard to choose a winner here. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the Nexus 6 will only have newer software for a little bit as it’s expected the Moto X will be updated very soon. Honestly, I think it comes down to preference. The Nexus 6 is a much bigger device, so you’d have to be looking for a bigger display to get it.
We’ll leave it up to you. Vote in the comments below: Which do you think is a better device, Nexus 6 vs Moto X (2014)
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