Amazon’s Kindle for Kids bundle offers children’s books for $99
To offer kids a way to read via Kindle, Amazon is back with another $99 bundle. The Kindle for Kids offer combines the latest e-reader with a cover and a “2-year worry-free guarantee.” It’s meant to boost reading habits for children complete with tools for tracking reading goals, building vocabulary and access to 250,000 kids titles. Users can also borrow digital versions of books from their local library. Unlike the regular Kindle, this model doesn’t come equipped with a backlight so it can’t be used in the dark. When the lights are turned off for bed, reading time is over.
This isn’t the first time Amazon has offered a Kindle for Kids option, but that doesn’t make it any less attractive. Parents looking to buy their kids a digital reading device might jump at the $99 price tag for the device and its features. Of course, this is a dedicated e-reader that doesn’t offer a library of apps and games. Couple that with a long-lasting battery and parental controls and Amazon has a rather compelling package for families with young readers.
Via: TechCrunch
Source: Amazon
Tesla sues Michigan over law prohibiting direct sales
Tesla is suing the home of the auto industry. The electric car manufacturer started litigation against Michigan Governor Rick Snyder today over a law that prohibits the automaker’s direct-sale model in the state, according to a report from Reuters. This comes after two years of trying to get the legislation changed via other methods.
Last year, the company made its first in-state acquisition, a tool and die shop in Grand Rapids (roughly 150 miles west of Detroit), but apparently that wasn’t enough to curry favor with the powers that be. Michigan is among Connecticut, Texas and Utah in terms of states where Tesla can’t sell cars directly to consumers.
“Unfortunately, the local auto dealers and local manufacturers have made clear that they oppose any law that would allow Tesla to operate in Michigan,” a statement reads. “As one leading legislator told Tesla: the local auto dealers do not want you here. The local manufacturers do not want you here. So you’re not going to be here.”
The statement also says that lawmakers won’t even hold a hearing to debate the current legislation, despite Snyder wanting to make it a “top priority” during his tenure. Maybe if Musk and Co. had made a giant campaign contribution or offered to look the other way while Snyder allowed the city of Flint’s water system to be poisoned, the self-proclaimed “tough nerd” would’ve been more open to changing the law. Just an idea.
Source: Reuters
Amazon takes aim at Shutterfly with photo printing service
Photo printing is the latest addition to Amazon’s slate of services and that’s not great news for the likes of Shutterfly. Amazon Prints outputs snapshots for as little as 9 cents each and offers photo books starting at $20. What’s more, options like post cards and calendars will soon be added, too. The online retailer debuted Prime Photos in 2014, giving subscribers unlimited photo storage as part of their $99 annual fee. It also offers a standalone storage option for $60 a year. With Amazon Prints, the company has a way to make money off of the photos it’s storing for customers.
Shutterfly is a popular service for printing photos, making stationery and building photo books. Despite a a stock drop of 12 percent when Amazon announced Prints yesterday, we’ll have to wait and see if there are any long-term issues for the company. That drop was Shutterfly’s largest single-day decline in over eight years, but analysts told Bloomberg it was an “overreaction.”
Customers in the US are expected to spend $2 billion for online photo printing services this year according to market research firm IBISWorld, so it’s easy to see why Amazon would want a piece of that. Couple that potential revenue stream with the company’s existing photo storage services and Amazon should be able to grab a nice chunk of that tally.
Via: Bloomberg
Source: Amazon Prints
Sony’s Xperia XZ arrives in the US October 2nd for $700
Sony debuted its latest handsets back at IFA and now the duo will soon debut in the US. The flagship Xperia XZ is slated to arrive October 2nd at Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers. Priced at $700 unlocked, the unlocked model supports GSM networks while packing in a 5.2-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 820, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded via a microSD slot. The XZ also has a USB-C port to keep up with the times and features like 4K video and enhanced image stabilization for its 23-megapixel camera. It’s also IP65/IP68 dust-tight and water resistant for added protection from the elements and any unforeseen accidents.
The mid-range Xperia X Compact will go on sale September 25th in the States, a few weeks after making its debut in the UK. A smaller 4.6-inch device, the X Compact is priced at $500 unlocked with a 720p display and the same 32GB of storage, a microSD card slot and a USB Type-C jack as the Xperia XZ. The GSM-compatible X Compact also touts that 5-axis video stabilization that Sony offers on the larger phone. All of features are driven by a Snapdragon 650 chipset alongside 3GB of RAM and an Adreno 510 GPU. And yes, the same 23-megapixel camera that’s on the XZ is here as well. If you can’t wait an extra week for the XZ, the X Compact still offers some of the same features as its bigger and pricier companion.
At Least 500 Million Yahoo Accounts Hacked in Late 2014
Yahoo today confirmed that “at least” 500 million Yahoo accounts were compromised in an attack in late 2014, leaking customer information like names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, hashed passwords, and both encrypted and unencrypted security questions and answers.
Yahoo does not believe unprotected passwords, payment card data, or bank account information was accessed, as that data is not stored in the system that was hacked. According to Yahoo, account information was stolen by a “state-sponsored actor” and the company is working with law enforcement on a full investigation.
Starting today, Yahoo will notify all affected users and is asking them to change their passwords immediately if passwords have not been changed since 2014. All compromised security questions and answers have also been invalidated. Yahoo has laid out a set of recommendations for all customers who might have had data stolen:
-Change your password and security questions and answers for any other accounts on which you used the same or similar information used for your Yahoo account.
– Review your accounts for suspicious activity.
– Be cautious of any unsolicited communications that ask for your personal information or refer you to a web page asking for personal information.
– Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails.
– Additionally, please consider using Yahoo Account Key, a simple authentication tool that eliminates the need to use a password altogether.
Yahoo first said it was investigating a data breach earlier this summer after hackers started selling account access online. The full scope of the attack was not revealed until today and could potentially affect Yahoo’s sale to Verizon.
Tag: Yahoo
Discuss this article in our forums
ABC News Now Supports Siri’s Live Tune-In Feature
Earlier this year, Apple introduced a new Live Tune-In feature for Siri, which allows the personal assistant to go directly to a live channel in a supported app. As of today, Live Tune-In has gained support for ABC News, letting Siri open up live news broadcasts when commanded to do so.
Live Tune-In also works with the following apps: CBS, CBS News, CNN Go, Cooking Channel, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney XD, DIY, ESPN, Food Network, FXNOW, HGTC, and Travel Channel.
Live Tune-In is currently only available in the United States. It can be accessed by asking Siri to “Watch ESPN live” or “Watch ABC News live.” Live Tune-In Feature is available for all customers who have a fourth-generation Apple TV. In most cases, it does require a cable subscription and authentication through a cable provider.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums
Best Tempered Glass Screen Protectors For Honor 8
Protect the glass on your Honor 8 with these tempered glass screen protectors.
The Honor 8 features a crisp 1080p 5.2-inch display that you’ll want to protect from scratches and drop damage. Tempered glass screen protectors are hands-down the best way to protect the glass on your phone.
The issue here, along with screen protectors for many other phones, is with the slight curve along the edge of the Honor 8’s screen. You’ll never quite get full screen coverage with a Tempered glass screen protector on a curved screen. Even still, investing in a $15 screen protector on day one could save you from having to shell out to replace a cracked screen sometime down the line. Silver lining to the lack of edge-to-edge protection, they should pair well with all sorts of cases for your Honor 8.
With that disclaimer out of the way, here are some of the best options for protecting your Honor 8 screen — and even a bonus protector for protecting the glass on the back!
- Nillkin H+Pro Anti-Explosion Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- J&D Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Honor 8
- Ultimate Shield Black Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- SANMIN Tempered Glass Back Protector
Nillkin H+Pro Anti-Explosion Tempered Glass Screen Protector
This screen protector from Nillkin comes with everything you’ll need to clean your screen and get a perfect application the first time. It advertises itself as “anti-explosion” (insert Note 7 joke here), which means that even if (or when) the screen protector shatters, the shards won’t go everywhere thanks to a thin film along the surface. A good feature to have considering the precision cutouts near the top the front-facing camera and ear speaker.
With 9H hardness and 2.5D edging to provide maximum scratch protection and comfort, and an oleophobic coating to help prevent fingerprints and other dirt, this screen protector will keep your Honor 8 looking good.
See at Amazon
J&D Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Honor 8
Two screen protectors are better than one, because it’s always good to have a backup in case your primary takes the brunt of a fall.
It’s hard to find significant differences between screen protectors, but J&D’s tempered screen protectors feature a cutout along the top that goes under the camera and ear speaker. That’s either a positive or negative feature depending on your perspective — either you don’t like that there’s less screen coverage, or you appreciate that there isn’t a tiny bridge of tempered glass around the ear speaker that will likely be the first part to break. Both protectors included here come with hydrophobic and oleophobic screen coating and the standard 9H surface hardness you’d expect from a tempered glass option. When you consider the cost and the fact you get two screen protectors for under $10, this is a great deal.
See at Amazon
Ultimate Shield Black Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Ultimate Shield’s tempered glass offering for the Honor 8 features a colored border at the top and bottom especially match whichever color of the phone you own. We’ve linked to the black option below, but it also comes in blue and white as well. The kit includes a microfiber cloth, wet cloth, and dust stickers to ensure you get a perfect installation. Cutouts around the camera and ear speaker along with a window around the Honor logo at the bottom should help with lining things up during installation.
Based out of the UK, Ultimate Shield boasts free shipping worldwide on all orders.
See at Ultimate Shield
SANMIN Tempered Glass Back Protector
Given that the Honor 8 features glass on the front and back, you’re playing with fire if you don’t put a case on it. However, many people simply prefer the ‘naked’ look for their phone.
With the SANMIN Tempered Glass Back Protector, you can add some extra protection to the back glass of your Honor 8 without having to compromise the sleek look and feel of your phone’s design. At just .33 mm thick, this is an ultra-thin sheet of glass that features cutouts around the fingerprint sensor and the cameras and flash. Just like the tempered glass protectors for the screen, this won’t exactly reach to the very edge of the curved back panel of glass, but it will prevent fingerprints and dirty smudges with it’s oleophobic coating. Paired with a screen protector on the other side, your Honor 8 will be secretly protected from cracks and scratches.
See at Amazon
Protecting curved screens
As we mentioned, tempered glass screen protectors can’t go edge-to-edge on phones with curved glass screens. Given the choice, which do you prioritize more: sleek style, or rugged durability?
The LG V20 is coming soon, and we have an IOU for one Android Central reader!
The LG V20 ditches its tough-feeling exterior for something a bit more svelte, and adopts most of the software experience developed for the G5. At the same time, it carries on from the V10 by keeping its larger display and removable battery, while also doubling down on robust camera capabilities, top-end audio and extra features. It is, of course, the first phone shipping with Android 7.0 Nougat as well. You can check out our preview of the LG V20, and then come back here to enter to win one before you can even buy it.
THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will be taking home a brand new LG V20!
THE GIVEAWAY: Head down to the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. The giveaway is open until October 19th, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the close date. Good luck!
The LG V20 is releasing soon, and we have an IOU for one Android Central reader!
The Uncertain brings post-apocalyptic adventure to NVIDIA Shield Android TV
“Unlike humans, we robots think logically and act rationally. Therefore, we will never destroy ourselves.”
The Uncertain is a sci-fi adventure-puzzle game set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has wiped itself out and only robots remain. Developed by Russian indie game developer Comon Games, The Uncertain Episode One: The Last Quiet Day boasts pretty amazing graphics and set pieces as players explore and discover the story as they play. It officially releases today for the NVIDIA Shield Android TV, and is available from the Google Play Store for $14.99.
After humanity drove itself to extinction in the 22nd century, robots rose up and became self-sufficient on their own. As their artificial intelligence continued to evolve, so too did their society, as each robot found a field of work to suit their own abilities. Slowly but steadily the robots created a new civilization on Earth, remaining vigilant to avoid past human mistakes.
You control Model RT-217NP, an advanced robot inventor. His role in society is to search out the remains for electronic devices and then repurposes them to serve his fellow robots. During his searches he often comes across human artifacts, which has sparked his curiosity into what precisely happened to humanity. However, there’s an imposed ban on studying the history of the human race by the robots’ shadowy creator, the USS Corporation.
Developed for PC via Steam Greenlight, The Uncertain has been ported over to the NVIDIA Shield Android TV to take advantage of its abilities to provide an AAA gaming experience on an Android platform. The game is also scheduled for a mobile release on other Android devices later this year.
Check out the trailer video below.
Sony’s new Xperia XZ hitting the U.S. for $699 on Oct 2
This is unfortunately the price you’re still expected to pay for a Sony phone.
Sony’s latest flagship, the Xperia XZ, has made its way out in some regions around the world and is now ready to hit the U.S. as well. Starting on October 2, you’ll be able to pick up an unlocked Xperia XZ for a hefty $699 from both Amazon and Best Buy, among other partnering retailers.
The Xperia XZ takes over very quickly after the delayed U.S. launch of the Xperia X Performance (which itself is already down to $585 unlocked), but this is indeed a full replacement for that phone. The Xperia XZ has a solid metal build with signature Sony design, a really nice 5.2-inch display and is powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor. It also has waterproofing, stereo speakers and Sony’s best mobile camera setup yet.
Unfortunately it’s lacking a fingerprint sensor in the U.S., which is pretty ridiculous considering the suggested retail price of the phone and continues to be a trend with Sony’s phones here. Nonetheless, if the Xperia XZ seems like the complete package you’ve been waiting for in the U.S., you’re just over a week away from being able to order.
More: Our full Sony Xperia XZ review
If you’re looking for something from Sony that’s a bit smaller and less expensive, the new Xperia X Compact, which was announced alongside the XZ, is already up for pre-order on Amazon for $499 — it launches officially on September 25.
Press release:
SONY ANNOUNCES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY FOR XPERIA™ XZ AND XPERIA X COMPACT IN THE UNITED STATES
Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) is pleased to announce that Xperia X Compact and Xperia XZ will be available unlocked in the United States starting September 25, 2016 for the Xperia X Compact and October 2, 2016 for Xperia XZ.
Both smartphones can be purchased on Amazon, Best Buy and other participating retailers for a suggested retail price of $499.99 and $699.99, respectively, and will support GSM networks.
The all new Xperia XZ represents the ultimate in Sony Xperia’s state-of-the-art camera, video and audio capabilities. It starts with the introduction of Sony’s allnew triple image sensing technology to the highly advanced 23MP camera, combining Predictive Hybrid Autofocus with two new sensors—Laser Autofocus and RGBC Infrared sensors—to clearly capture any moment in life with ease and accuracy in any light conditions with true-to-life colors. Video capabilities in Xperia XZ now include 4K recording and enhancements to our best-in-class SteadyShot® technology that deliver the most stable videos with the world’s first 5-axis video stabilization in a smartphone.
Beyond the camera and video advancements, Xperia XZ features an updated stereo dual microphone system with integrated noise cancellation to ensure that the immersive 3D stereo sound quality and reduced background noise match the outstanding 4K video quality. All of these features, along with a 5.2-inch Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 Full HD display and a stunning loop surface design inspired by a monolithic form made with ALKALEIDO™ metal, gives you a stylish, durable and powerful smartphone loaded with the latest in audio-visual innovation from Sony.
For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia X Compact brings the same state-of-the-art camera, video and audio capabilities in a compact design that fits great in your pocket, purse or bag, as well as in your hand. Boasting a durable 4.6-inch Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 HD 720p TRILUMINOS™ display, Xperia X Compact also boasts the world’s first 5-axis video stabilization with fully enhanced SteadyShot image stabilization technology, allowing users to record smoother videos on the move or close up.
