You can own a 24K gold-plated HTC One M9 for about $2,466
Is the golden HTC One M9 simply not snazzy enough for you? If that’s the case, you may want to take a look at the offerings from Goldgenie, a company that makes it its mission to cover your devices with precious metals and make them as luxurious as a jewel. Their latest offering will get you an HTC One M9 covered in real 24K gold for £1,580.83, or about $2467 USD.
It may not be cheap, but will still cost you less than getting your hands on an Iron Man Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, which has been selling for tens of thousands of dollars. You also get the added benefit of having your phone plated with an actual precious metal and shipped in a luxury cherry oak box.
Here’s how it works. You can go ahead and put your name to a gold-plated HTC One M9 by paying a 50% deposit, which adds up to £790.42. The Other half will be charged once the phone is ready to ship. Alternatively, you can opt for platinum or rose gold for an added charge (platinum is the priciest at £1,680.83.
Now, if you already have an HTC One M9, or would rather save a few bucks, you can send in your own device and get it covered in gold for £822.50. This is rather surprising, because it would mean the company is charging you a whopping £757.50 for the phone alone. That translates to about $1182 USD, which is way above the HTC One M9’s $649 MSRP.
While this is still an exclusive product for the wealthy, we have definitely seen other companies do much worse. There’s Vertu, which does make an awesome phone with great support and precious minerals on-board, but that thing costs $10,000 USD! Meanwhile, most other “boutique” phone makers sell you devices for a fortune, and while they look good, most times they feature horrible specs. At least with Goldgenie you know you are getting a high-end smartphone with good support from a major manufacturer. They also cater to those who prefer a Samsung, BlackBerry or Apple device.
Are any of you willing to pay this much for a gold-plated phone? If you are, just head over to Goldgenie’s official website to learn more. I would honestly spend my money on this before other luxury offerings in the market.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, Core Prime, HTC Desire 626s and more now available from T-Mobile
About a week ago we told you that T-Mobile would soon begin selling a few budget-friendly Android smartphones, and that day has finally come. Starting today, customers will be able to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, Galaxy Core Prime and HTC Desire 626s, all for $0 down. The Alcatel OneTouch Pixi 7 Tablet and Kyocera Hydro WAVE smartphone are both launching on the Un-carrier as well, but not for another week or so.
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, which is the first phone to ship with T-Mobile’s new Advanced Messaging feature, is available for $189.99 off-contract or for $7.92 per month for 24 months. The Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is available for $139.99 outright or $5.84 per month for 24 months. The HTC Desire 626s is available for $169.99 outright or $7.09 per month with a 24-month payment plan. The Alcatel OneTouch Pixi 7 Tablet will be available on T-Mobile from July 29th for just $168 off-contract or for $7 per month for 24 months. Last but not least, we have the waterproof Kyocera Hydro WAVE, which we wrote about a bit earlier today. This device is available from T-Mobile for $149.99, and will launch on MetroPCS on July 27th for $39 with an instant rebate.
Read more: Best Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime cases
The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, originally released in October of last year and currently available on Sprint, features a 5-inch qHD (540X960) screen, a Snapdragon 410 SoC, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of on-board storage. This is a decent option for anyone looking for a capable mid-ranger but doesn’t want to break the bank. The Galaxy Core Prime features a 4.5-inch WVGA display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.
The HTC Desire 626s brings along with it the iconic HTC design language, along with a 5.0-inch HD display, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and microSD expansion up to 200GB. Lastly, the Hydro WAVE comes with a 5.0-inch qHD LCD display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of on-board storage (expandable via microSD up to 32GB) and IPX5 and IPX7 waterproofing certifications.
To learn more about these devices, head to the links below.
GoldGenie launches its trio of 24K gold-plated HTC One M9’s
There’s no denying that the HTC One M9 is one of the more strikingly elegant smartphones currently on the market, but if it’s not quite premium enough for you, GoldGenie is offering a trio of 24K gold-plated variants of the handset with eye-watering price tags.
The M9 is available from the supplier of luxury customized gift in three different finishes — gold which weighs in at $2400, rose gold which will set you back $2500 and platinum which retails for $2600. But that’s not the total cost. Customers will also be required to pay shipping fees on top.
As you’d expect, all handsets from GoldGenie come with a lifetime warranty to cover any potential damage to their gold paintwork. They also come protected by HTC’s Total Armour Protection scheme.
Source: GoldGenie
Come comment on this article: GoldGenie launches its trio of 24K gold-plated HTC One M9’s
Deal: Expansys offering the 32GB LTE Nexus 9 for just $340 ($260 off)
Not too long ago Expansys USA was selling the LTE-enabled Google Nexus 9 tablet with 32GB of storage for just $379.99. That was already a great deal, especially because Google is still charging $600 for that same device. But if you’re in the market for a new Android tablet with LTE connectivity and would like to save even more money than that, Expansys USA, yet again, has you covered.
Right now you can pick up the 32GB LTE Nexus 9 in Indigo Black for only $339.99. This deal also comes with free shipping, so that’s a nice bonus as well. And if you want to purchase a new portfolio case along with it, that bundle will run you $344.99. Yes, just $5 more will score you a case to go with your new tablet.
Don’t miss: Best Android tablets (July 2015)
Nexus 9 in video
.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 (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
In case you need a refresher, the HTC-made Nexus 9 comes with an 8.9-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1536 x 2048, a NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor clocked at 2.3GHz and backed by 2GB of RAM. It also has a big 6700mAh battery, runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop at the moment, and will be among the first devices to receive the Android M update once Google releases it to the masses.
Expansys doesn’t mention if this is a promotion or if this is the new price for the tablet, so we’re not sure how long it will last. If you’re interested, head to the link below to pick one up for yourself.
Here’s what it’s like to play Valve’s VR ‘Portal’ experience
Sure, people can wax poetic about using HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset, but what’s it really like when you’re looking through those lenses? You might not have to make a pilgrimage to one of HTC’s tours to find out. ValveTime has posted a video walkthrough of Valve’s Portal-themed VR demo (used on the Vive since this spring), and it gives you a good sense of what the immersive, room-based experience is like. To put it mildly, this is a tantalizing glimpse of what VR can do for gaming — you can explore every nuance of an Aperture Science workshop, pulling drawers and levers almost like you were there. We don’t want to spoil the whole thing, but it’s safe to say there are robots and a few signature Valve surprises. Can we have a full-fledged title based on this, please?
Filed under: Displays, Gaming, Wearables
Via: Road to VR
Source: ValveTime
Here’s what it’s like to play Valve’s VR ‘Portal’ experience
Sure, people can wax poetic about using HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset, but what’s it really like when you’re looking through those lenses? You might not have to make a pilgrimage to one of HTC’s tours to find out. ValveTime has posted a video walkthrough of Valve’s Portal-themed VR demo (used on the Vive since this spring), and it gives you a good sense of what the immersive, room-based experience is like. To put it mildly, this is a tantalizing glimpse of what VR can do for gaming — you can explore every nuance of an Aperture Science workshop, pulling drawers and levers almost like you were there. We don’t want to spoil the whole thing, but it’s safe to say there are robots and a few signature Valve surprises. Can we have a full-fledged title based on this, please?
Filed under: Displays, Gaming, Wearables
Via: Road to VR
Source: ValveTime
Android Authority this week – July 19, 2015
Hello Android fans, this week brought us the release of the Galaxy A8 and the cool new Axon phone, and a bevy of hot rumors about the real stars of this summers: Galaxy Note 5, OnePlus 2, and the new Moto X. The Galaxy Note 5 and the S6 Edge Plus are now rumored to launch on August 12, and a series of renders gives us a good idea of what to expect. ZTE introduced the Axon in the United States, and we were actually impressed by the solid specs and cheap price. Motorola scheduled an event for July 28, where we expect to see the new Moto G and Moto X. More details about the Huawei Nexus leaked, we got a look at the Turing phone, and HTC introduced several new devices in the United States. Finally, Cortana for Android leaked ahead of launch.
Inside AA HQ
We had two product launches this week in New York (Axon and HTC Desire), that Darcy and Lanh attended, but all in all, our virtual HQ was pretty quiet this week. That’s not because we’re all in vacation… it’s just that we’re working on some long term projects, that are not quite ready to be announced.
Luckily, things are a bit livelier on the general Android front, thanks in large part to Samsung’s apparent decision to move up the launch of the Galaxy Note 5. Check our Galaxy Note 5 rumor roundup, and while you’re at it, have a look at the OnePlus 2 rumor roundup as well. And stay tuned for more rumors as we get them!
It’s been long since we’ve given away an Android tablet, but that changes today – head over to the Sunday Giveaway for a chance to win a Google Nexus 9!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: Is the One M9+ HTC’s real flagship? Find out in the review
- Review: Bailey reviews LG’s mid-ranger Escape 2
- Opinion: Just how important are microSD and removable batteries for you?
- Guide: Your privacy is increasingly at risk. Here are a few simple steps to protect it
- Feature: Huawei and Google are teaming up, But why?
- Review: It may not be the big step we were hoping for, but the Xperia Z3+ is a compelling device
- Feature: Chinese phone brands are taking over the market. Here’s a primer on some of the biggest
Top news of the week
Galaxy A8 is official
Galaxy Note 5 and Edge Plus rumors
- Galaxy Note 5, S6 Edge Plus coming August 12, launch August 14/21 – Report
- (Update: 4GB of RAM) Report reveals Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, Note 5 specs
- Here’s a look at a Galaxy S6 Edge Plus dummy unit
- (Update: T-Mobile, US Cellular too) Galaxy Note 5, S6 Edge+ pass through FCC, Verizon and AT&T variants in-tow
Check out the ZTE Axon
- ZTE Axon officially announced: what you need to know
- Hands-on with the ZTE Axon
- ZTE Axon vs the competition
- ZTE Axon vs Samsung Galaxy S6 quick look
- ZTE Axon vs LG G4 quick look
Next Moto X and Moto G
- Leaked image shows off what’s supposedly the new Moto X, Moto G and DROID devices
- Motorola’s Moto G 2015 will be customizable through Moto Maker, according to new leak
- Moto G (2015) leaks in real-life images
- Motorola holding events in London and NYC on July 28
- Motorola Moto X (2015) shows off its backside in new leaked image
Turing Phone: security in and out
OnePlus 2 rumors
- OnePlus Two camera details revealed by MKBHD
- This is the OnePlus 2’s improved invite system
- OnePlus 2 to be dual-SIM, perhaps with microSD slot as well
Huawei Nexus
New HTC Desires
- HTC Desire 626 quick look and hands on
- HTC announces super affordable Desire 626, Desire 626s, Desire 526 and Desire 520
Cortana for Android
- Cortana for Android leaks out ahead of official launch – download the APK here
- Cortana for Android Beta hands on (and vs Google Now)
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
HTC launches the Desire 820G+ in India for INR 19,990
Following the successful release of its latest dual-SIM smartphone in Taiwan, HTC has today launched the Desire 820G+ in India, where it’s available to purchase from the company’s online portal for INR 19,990 ($315).
The 820G+ is a capable mid-range device, packing a 5.5-inch 720p display, a 1.7GHZ MediaTek MKT6592 octa-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a 13-megapixel camera.
Unboxed, the handset will run the latest build of Android 4.4 KitKat with HTC’s Sense 7 custom user interface plastered over the top. It is, however, expected to receive the much-anticipated Lollipop update in the not-too-distant future.
If you’re based in India, like the sound of the Desire 820G+ and would like to picking one up — hit the source link below.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: HTC launches the Desire 820G+ in India for INR 19,990
AT&T finally starts rolling out the Lollipop OTA for the HTC One M9
A day later than scheduled, AT&T has finally begun rolling out the long-awaited Lollipop update to its carrier-branded variants of the HTC One M9 located in the United States. In terms of added functionality, the upgrade brings the latest build of the Android operating system to the handset, together with a multitude of bug fixes and stability improvements.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- OS Upgrade – Lollipop 5.1.1
- Security Enhancements
- Improved User Interface
- Stability Improvements
- Further Improvements to Performance
- Enhanced Features
As usual, the upgrade 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 update manually.
To do so follow the steps below:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Tap on “About Device”
- Hit “System Updates”
- Select “Check for updates”
Come comment on this article: AT&T finally starts rolling out the Lollipop OTA for the HTC One M9
HTC’s Under Armour-connected Grip fitness band is experiencing delays
Remember that fitness watch HTC unveiled alongside its HTC One M9 flagship back in March? Let me refresh your memory.
At Mobile World Congress, HTC unveiled a fitness watch with a partnership with Under Armour called “HTC Grip.” The HTC Grip had a design similar to the Nike FuelBand and was to be targeted towards athletes or just anyone who remains active. The device wasn’t going to have a dedicated heart rate sensor, but it did promise built-in GPS.
We haven’t heard much about the watch until today. Apparently, the Grip is experiencing delays and won’t be released until the end of the year. So if you were in a hurry to get your hands on one, it looks like you’ll have to wait a little longer.
The following is HTC’s statement regarding the delay:
Through our partnership with Under Armour, we have continued to refine our vision and approach to the health and fitness category. Our goal is to offer best-in-class products for our customers and partners. After extensive wear testing and user feedback, we have decided to align GRIP with the entire product portfolio for health and fitness launching later this year. This will be a state-of-the-art comprehensive portfolio of products for this category powered by UA RECORD. We are excited to launch this new comprehensive product suite and will share further details as we get closer to launch.
Come comment on this article: HTC’s Under Armour-connected Grip fitness band is experiencing delays
AIVAnet 