TouchWiz to Become Less … Wizzy, More Nexus-Like?
Perhaps bowing to immense pressure and boatloads of frustrated user reviews, Samsung appears to be stripping down its TouchWiz overlay of Android for the upcoming Galaxy S6, bringing it closer in line with stock Android. As one industry source stated, “We are aiming to get rid of unnecessary functions and simplify our UI at the level of Google’s Nexus 6.”
TouchWiz has its adherents, and few can argue that Samsung doesn’t load their phones with features unseen in competitors’ devices. Indeed, Samsung phones are among the most robust, feature-rich devices on the market. But TouchWiz is also big and sucks up system resources, resulting in some of that now-trademark Samsung sluggishness. Slow UIs have no place on phones in 2015.
Bringing TouchWiz in line with the Nexus 6 hints at a greatly stripped-down user experience, and we can safely assume that in the S6′s case, this means ditching superfluous features and focusing on the core ones that Samsung’s market research has identified as vital to the user experience. Coupled with improved memory optimization and smaller software files, hopefully the S6 stays nimble and functional well into the end of its life cycle.
The Galaxy S6 is rumored to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March. MWC is held every year in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Visca Catalunya.
Source: Business Korea
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LG G Flex 2 vs Nexus 6
The battle of two of the biggest Android smartphones currently on the market, so let’s see how they stack up against each other.
Nexus 6 vs LG G Flex 2 | FindTheBest!function(d,s,id)var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^https:/.test(d.location)?’https’:’http’;if(!d.getElementById(id))js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+”://cdn1.findthebest.com/rx/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);(document,”script”,”ftb-widgetjs”);
Drop us a comment below, who wins the battle between the LG G Flex 2 and the Nexus 6?
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Last chance to win a Nexus phone and tablet, FREE
That’s right! We’re giving away a free Nexus 6 phone and Nexus 9 tablet to one lucky AndroidGuys reader. Why, you may ask? How about why not?!
There’s no purchase necessary so stop sitting around and click here for a chance to win. Once you’ve submitted your entry, share the giveaway on your social media feeds for an increased chance at taking home the prizes. Submissions are only accepted until 1/11/2015, so we suggest getting your entry in immediately.
Check this deal out, and many others at deals.androidguys.com!
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CyanogenMod officially supports the Nexus 6 and LG G3 [D855]
Up until now, the only way you could get CyanogenMod on your Nexus 6 and LG G3 were downloading custom ROMs that were ported over. While these ROMs were very stable and efficient, they aren’t official. As of yesterday, Cyanogen has officially announced support for those two devices.
The Nexus 6 and the LG G3 (D855) will be receiving CyanogenMod nightlies, meaning the ROMs will be updated everyday. While this great for users, we should warn you that these ROMs are still in their infancy, meaning they aren’t the most stable. Just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when you are flashing new ROMs and make sure to backup your stock one. Also, the nightlies for the G3 are only on the international version. If you try to install on a device that isn’t international, you might brick your device.
CyanogenMod Nightlies
Source: CyanogenMod | Via: Cult of Android
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Motorola is headed back to China, bringing the new Moto X Pro
Following Lenovo’s Motorola acquisition, we assumed Moto would make its way back to other markets where they’ve been scarce in the past, specifically China. In a post today, Motorola has announced their return to the Chinese smartphone market set for early sometime this year, and the devices they’re bringing with them are pretty interesting. Among the Moto X (2nd Generation) and the 2014 Moto G with LTE, Motorola is returning to China with a handset called the Moto X Pro, which is basically a Nexus 6 sans Nexus logo.
The Moto X Pro (pictured above) should look familiar, since it’s the same chassis we got with Google’s Nexus 6 handset. Aside from the exclusion of Google services and the Nexus logo, we’re seeing basically the same specifications as we did on the Nexus 6: a 6.0-inch QHD display, 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, a 3220mAh battery and a 13MP rear-facing camera with OIS. This device should also come with Motorola’s suite of apps and software enhancements, instead of Google’s.
The Moto X (2nd Gen.) will go on sale in China sometime in early February, while the Moto X Pro and LTE-capable Moto G won’t be available until after Spring Festival, which is toward the later half of February. What’s more, Motorola is also bringing Moto Maker to China, but customers will have to wait until after the Chinese New Year to get their hands on a customized Moto X.
Verizon bringing the Galaxy Note Edge on Jan 8, Nexus 6 launching mid-Feb
The uniquely designed Galaxy Note Edge will make its way to Verizon Wireless on the 8th of January, according to a new leak. Big Red will also bring the Motorola Nexus 6 to its retail outlets, but not until mid-February, the leak says.
Pricing for the Galaxy Note Edge has been set at $799.99 off contract or $33.32 per month via Verizon Edge. You can also get it with a two year contract agreement for $399.99, which is quite a lot to pay for a contract device.
There’s no word on the pricing of the Nexus 6 yet, but it should be on par with what we’ve seen from the likes of Sprint and AT&T, which is somewhere around the $299.99 mark. It is important to note that there’s no real incentive to get the Nexus 6 from Verizon considering that activated SIM cards already work with the device.
But if you’re planning to activate a new account with the Nexus 6 and don’t mind relying on Verizon for future software updates, getting it from the carrier shouldn’t be a big concern.
We’ll keep a close eye on Verizon for more details on the arrival of the Nexus 6. But if you’re in the market for a phablet and don’t mind experimenting with the form factor, you might want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge which will be available starting Thursday.
Via: Phandroid
Come comment on this article: Verizon bringing the Galaxy Note Edge on Jan 8, Nexus 6 launching mid-Feb
Tipster: Verizon to launch Note Edge on Thursday, Nexus 6 in mid-February
Verizon is in a rather unique position with its dependence on CDMA network standards, for most phones – namely those designed for the global market – make use of GSM technology. While the carrier has had some nice exclusives in the past (see the Motorola Droid line, for example), those customers who want more international products are often out of luck. Such was the case for Verizon and the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. Until now, that is.
Thanks to a tipster, Phandroid has obtained a leaked screen capture allegedly from Verizon, and indicating the Note Edge will launch on the 8th. The source – which has supposedly provided legitimate information on a number of instances – has also claimed that the curved wonder will cost $399 on a 2-year contract, and $33.32 per month on Verizon’s Edge installment-based payment plan. The device can also be had for $799 off-contract (some $70 less than the commitment-free T-Mobile version). It is worth pointing out that one of the two Japanese variants carrying the Edge (KDDI au) is in fact, CDMA-based, and thus Samsung has apparently decided to make further use of the modified internal antenna for a larger market.
The titular tipster has also indicated that the Nexus 6 won’t be launching on Verizon until sometime in mid-February, thus ensuring an even longer wait for those who want to buy on-carrier. (The unlocked Nexus 6 can still be used on Verizon’s network, for reference).
Please note that as Verizon itself has not confirmed either of these two leaks, some degree of skepticism should be accepted in the event the phablet doesn’t edge itself into stores this Thursday.
Franco Kernel makes its way to the Nexus 6
A well-known Android programmer and kernel hacker, Francisco Franco has updated his Material Designed Franco Kernel to support the Nexus 6.
Before using the app, you must root your device. Franco notes that he does not accept refunds if you fail to do this, which probably means the device will brick if it is not rooted.
The only devices that are currently supported are the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5, the Nexus 6, the Nexus 7 2012, the Nexus 7 2013, the Nexus 10, and the One Plus One. The Franco Kernel will work as long as these devices are running at least JellyBean 4.1.
The kernel hack includes such functions as auto flashing kernels, an interface to change CPU clocks, governor parameters, and other interfaces, color and sound control, and a System Monitor designed by developer Christian Göllner.
The Franco Kernel is easy to use in that the user can “Backup & Restore Kernels on the fly without any “geek” knowledge.” If you have one of the supported devices rooted, then it should be worth checking out, especially since it’s 30% off in the Play Store.
Source: Google Play
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Naked Tough Case for Nexus 6 available through Google Play
People are starting to receive the Nexus 6 in the mail and in-store through select carriers. Among the first things to do with a new device is purchasing accessories. And the go-to accessory for almost everyone is a case. Directly from Google, the Naked Tough Case is ready for ordering. It is a clear case that offers protection and functionality. On the back is an integrated stand that pops out for landscape viewing.
The Naked Tough Case for Nexus 6 costs $35 and will ship in 1-2 business days.
Source: Google Play
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You can now pre-order the Nexus 6 in India
Indian retailed Flipkart has started pre-orders of the Nexus 6. You can grab the 32 GB version for Rs. 43,999 ($713) or the 64 GB version for Rs. 48,999 ($794). You will of course still have your choice of either Cloud White or Midnight Blue. Shipping will take place in early December.
Are you ordering one or is the Nexus 6 too big for you?
source: Flipkart
Come comment on this article: You can now pre-order the Nexus 6 in India
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