The next Nexus: What last year’s peculiar pair might mean for 2016
2015 was a groundbreaking year for Google’s Nexus program, in several different ways. For one, there were in fact two smartphones released, yet at the same time, there was no tablet or specifically branded accessory to be found despite the actual Nexus event last September bringing forth 5 products in total. The aim of this piece is to take a quick look at what last year did – and didn’t – offer, and consider what 2016 may have to offer, especially given that rumors have already begun to surface that HTC will be tasked with making two different Nexus smartphones.
The original “strange” strategy
The announcement of two separate Nexus smartphones from Google last year came as a profound shift in its established Nexus program. In a way, it represents the largest change of strategy since 2013’s temporary decision to allow for “Google Experience Edition” products, know as “GPe” for short. The GPe program basically allowed for products unaffiliated with the Nexus program to be sold directly from Google with Vanilla Android.
Several devices were offered, from a number of manufacturers including the Samsung Galaxy S4 GPe, the HTC One M8 GPe, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPe, and the LG G Pad 8.3 GPe. Many of these products received OS updates far quicker than their “skinned” counterparts, and in some cases when their default variant received nothing at all.
The new strategy
Whereas 2013 officially brought the LG Nexus 5 and 2014 the Motorola Nexus 6, 2015 saw the release of a Huawei Nexus 6P, and an LG Nexus 5X, with the former representing the high end of the spectrum, and the latter offering offering more mid-range specs and pricing.
Given that Google has now established that a phablet Nexus has relevance as well as a more standard sized version, there is good reason to assume 2016 will see a similar strategy. This is all the more relevant when one considers that the Nexus smartphones, in many ways, represent the Google antithesis to Apple’s iPhones. And just as Apple now has two sizes of its own products – perhaps three this year – so too does Google.
Of course with the Nexus program, the choice has seemingly less to do with iOS competition and more to do with “internal” options. There has never been more Android phones offered than there are today, with the New York Times, last year, stating that over 1000 different companies are making phones. Given some of the strange ones that released – a Pepsi phone anyone – it’s easy to see just why the number has grown.
By giving the Nexus smartphone program a two-pronged approach, it thereby allows Google to cater to two markedly different markets, and offer compelling products that can stand their own with respect to the aforementioned “internal” competition, especially given that many of the products originating from Asia have heavily skinned user interfaces.
What dreams may come
Could HTC be making the next Nexus?
In assuming there will be two Nexus smartphones released in 2016, the question is who is going to be making them. Would Google pick a pair of producers as it did last year, or will it stick with a single supplier? Given that the first month of 2016 has already passed the half-way point, it is only fitting rumors of this year’s new Nexus devices have begun to start up. Indeed this year, perhaps more so than in those now gone, many in the Android community have increasingly higher expectations of what Google will deliver for the platform itself given the negative reaction ushered in by the Pixel C and its perceived shortcomings, namely the lack of split-screen multitasking and a plethora of tablet-optimized software.
Last week a rumor appeared originating from China’s Weibo social network that claims HTC will be making both a higher-end and lower-end Nexus smartphone this year, and that the former will land at 5.5 inches and the latter at 5.0 inches. The rumor was then expanded when two alleged product model numbers leaked. While some might argue it is too early for plausible rumors to begin for a Nexus product, last year the talk of Huawei making a device began quite early as well, and indeed such talk became a reality as last fall eventually played out.
Hints by Huawei
While any given situation may be fluid until the details and specifics are settled via contract, there is already a bit of evidence to suggest Huawei will be involved in this year’s Nexus project. It is important to consider the not-so-subtle “hint” that Huawei dropped in a recent interview with us, suggesting that it might have another close-working relationship with Google for 2016. (For reference, fast forward to the 3:10 minute mark to find the specific section referenced).
Of course this could ultimately be anything, assuming it to be true at all: a new tablet, a new Chromebook, a new Chromecast. The list could seemingly go on forever given that Huawei manufacturers far more than just devices. To play it safe however, let it be assumed the device in question would be a Nexus smartphone. This would mean either a repeat of the 6P – i.e. a top tier product – or it could be a replacement for the 5X.
While some might argue that it making a mid-tier product after crafting last year’s high end device might be seen as an insult to Huawei, do consider that the Chinese OEM is (1) quite adept at making high quality, affordable devices, and is (2) quite interested in expanding its market share and brand recognition around the world. Unlike Samsung, which allegedly named the Nexus S such because it refused to be considered “number two”, Huawei might have no qualms with the idea of producing a lower-end device, all the more so given that the 6P already proved it could do top-tier, and all the more so given that the 6P will inevitably still be sold for some time after this year’s models are announced and released.
Assuming the rumor does pan out though, and HTC will make both smartphones, the partnership which Huawei hinted could mean the OEM is working on whatever tablet Google plans to bring out this year. Given that Huawei makes numerous tablets, and just announced a newly designed product around CES, such a product would not be out of bounds to consider.
Returning to HTC…
At the same time, while HTC certainly had a flagship phone in its One M9 last year, the device was also playing it very safe. HTC has not released a truly large screen product since 2013’s HTC One Max. Moreover, HTC is also facing continued hardships with earnings and criticism for its choices. Google may not feel comfortable trusting the Taiwanese OEM with handling a potentially volatile project like the 2016 flagship Nexus smartphone out of sheer fear of seeing a repeat of the shortages that befell the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. Huawei, for that matter, is an infinetly larger enterprise and therefore far better able to meet the manufacturing needs and supply demands of what could be a growing demand as the Nexus line becomes more well-known among the average consumer.
The supply issue problem would become seemingly a larger one if HTC makes both smartphones this year, because then it has two separate lines to worry about all the while trying to salavage its own brand and continue to develop products that make use of the A9’s new controversial design. There is also a fair question in asking how much power the HTC brand itself has given that (1) the company has fallen from grace in recent years, and (2) its sole Nexus smartphone was the original Nexus One, released at a time when arguably few people really knew what Android was compared to the absolute dominance the platform now enjoys.
The supply issue is also a problem given that Google clearly went for two different design languages with last year’s Nexus smartphones. The 6P looks quite different than the 5X. If HTC makes both devices, it would mean that the OEM would either make two clones of different sizes, or else make two entirely different products which means double the details and delivery. It would also serve to make the Nexus line into something more akin to ZTE’s Axon products, which come in different sizes yet essentially look the same. This would be good for continuity, however it would be bad in terms of creativity.
The size situation
Another point worth discussing is the idea that this year’s Nexus devices will be 5.5 and 5.0 inches as opposed to the 5.7 and 5.2-inch products that 2015 saw release. In dropping the larger device further – consider the Nexus 6 was almost a full 6-inches – it would then be on screen parity with Apple’s inevitable iPhone 7 Plus. This may work out for the better, or it might work out for the worst. Aside from that, there would be a clear segment of consumers who would be displeased that their phablet dreams would be dashed. Considering that the LG G4 – a standard smartphone – came in at 5.5 inches as well, it does indeed seem more clear that phablets need to be at least 5.7 inches or larger.
Given the overall satisfaction that seemed to be present last year with respect to the sizes of the 5X and 6P, it seems highly questionably that Google would further shrink both of its 2016 Nexus devices – assuming there are two – just for the sake of making them smaller. If anything the hardware itself could be reduced in size – the top and bottom bezels come to mind – yet leave the display sizes as they are for now.
Tablet talk
The other issue to consider is the next tablet, assuming there is one at all. Whereas 2015 was the first year ever since the original Nexus 7 tablet released in 2012 to not see a new Nexus tablet, there was still the Pixel C released. Running stock Android and receiving updates directly from Google, it is in many ways a “pure” Nexus, developed and manufactured directly by Google rather than through an OEM partner. (Though ironically enough a partner was still obviously used to manufacture the device itself as Google lacks production facilities) .
There is no telling what kind of a Nexus tablet might hit in 2016. It could be a new 7-inch product, especially if the new large Nexus smartphone were to indeed shrink to a 5.5-inch display. It could be a new 10.1 inch device. It could be anything really, but given the decreasing tablet sales as well as neither the Nexus 9 nor the Pixel C taking off by any accounts, it might be more sensible for Google to just fold the Nexus tablet line altogether.
Wrap up
Suffice to say, 2016 is going to be another big year for the Nexus program. Regardless of who makes what device, how many devices release, or even what size they may be, with the presumed inclusion of multitasking and possibly other new additions, it is likely that whatever products are manufactured and sold will be at the forefront of Google’s mobile domination.
Only time will tell what device(s) are ultimately announced and released. Given that Google looks to be making a formal unveiling of “Android N” this summer, it is theoretically possible there could be a new Nexus product announced then. More likely than not however, whatever devices may this way come will probably not see a formal unveiling until the fall.
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Don’t know what to spend those gift cards on? Here are our recommended gadget deals
Now that Xmas is over, you may have a stack of gift cards that you don’t quite know what to use for. Gift cards have been selling at a record breaking pace and you will want to make sure they don’t get forgotten about and expired. We are here to guide you into spending your money wisely with some of the best products and coolest deals from Amazon.com.
There are just so many things to buy, so we have curated a comprehensive list of some of today’s compelling gadget offerings. Let’s get to it!
Google Nexus 6P by Huawei, 32GB Graphite – $499
Device details:
- 5.7-inch AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touchscreen
- Android v6.0 (Marshmallow), Quad-Core 1.55 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-Core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A57 Processor, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 81, Adreno 430 Graphics
- 12 Megapixel Camera (4608 x 2592 pixels) w/ Autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash + Front-facing 8 Megapixel Camera
- Internal Memory: 32GB, 3GB RAM
BLU Pure XL Unlocked Smartphone, 4G LTE GSM, 64GB and 3GB RAM – $349
Device details:
- 6.0″ Wide Quad HD (2560 x 1400) Super AMOLED display transforms the smartphone visual experience at 4 times the resolution of HD + Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Mediatek Helio x10 64-bit 2.0 GHz Octa-Core Processor; enhanced viewing experience powered by MiraVision(TM) Picture Quality Engine, Android L v5.1
- 24MP Main Camera featuring an f/2.3 sensor with sapphire + 6P lens, real-time HDR, and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and 8MP autofocus wide -Angle Front Camera
- 64 GB Internal Memory with 3G RAM. Micro SD Slot up to 64GB. Fingerprint Sensor and NFC supported
- 4G LTE, (2/4/7/17), 4G HSPA+ (850/1700/1900/2100). GSM Quad Band: US Compatibility Nationwide on all GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Straight Talk, Pure Talk USA, and others
Sony Xperia C5 Ultra 16GB Unlocked Smartphone (GSM/LTE) – $299
Device details:
- Two 13MP cameras – capture superior pictures, selfies, and videos, wherever you look.
- High-quality selfies with selfie flash- light up the whole image, from corner to corner.
- 6″ full HD display with ultra-thin bezel- enjoy a large screen with mobile BRAVIA engine 2 gives you enhanced sharpness and contrast for immersive viewing.
- Wireless freedom- SIM Unlocked, no contracts or commitment to any carriers. Compatible with GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile and cellular network providers utilizing GSM network such as: Straight Talk, MetroPCS, Simple Mobile, Brightspot, Net10, h20 Wireless, and Cricket Wireless.
Amazon Fire Tablet, 7″ Display, 8GB (includes special offers) – $49
Device details:
- Beautiful 7″ IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600) and fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Rear and front-facing cameras.
- All-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free – including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs and more
- Enjoy more than 38 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, apps and games
- 8 GB of internal storage. Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Add a microSD card for up to 128 GB of additional storage.
- Updated user interface – Fire OS 5 designed for quick access to your apps and content plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites
- Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music
- Stay connected with fast web browsing, email, and calendar support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, 9.7″ Display, 32GB (Black) – $374
Device details:
- Android 5.0 (Lollipop) OS, 9.7″ 2048×1536 (QXGA) Super AMOLED
- Quad 1.9GHz + Quad 1.3GHz, Octacore application processor
- 32 GB Flash Memory, 3 GB RAM Memory
- 0.85 pounds
Nvidia Shield Tablet, 8″ Display, 16GB (Tegra K1 Processor) – $199
Device details:
- More ways to game with Android games and GeForce NOW cloud gaming service.
- Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, featuring a 192-core NVIDIA Kepler GPU and 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU.
- Full HD 1080p, 8-inch display, and dual-front facing speakers for incredible video and sound.
- MicroSD slot provides expandable storage up to 128 GB.
- The optional tablet cover and SHIELD controller make SHIELD tablet K1 the ultimate tablet for gamers.
- More Ways to Game with Android Games and Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Service
- Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 Processor, Featuring a 192-core NVIDIA Kepler GPU and 2.2 Ghz Quad-core CPU
SanDisk Ultra 200GB MicroSD Card (Class 10) – $79
Device details:
- Ideal for premium Android-based smartphones and tablets
- Transfer up to 1200 photos a minute with premium transfer speed of up to 90MB/s
- Holds up to 20 hours of Full HD video
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback
- Water proof, temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof and magnet proof
- Comes with SD adapter for use in MIL cameras
GoPro HERO4 Session Camera – $199
Device details:
- Smallest, lightest GoPro yet
- Durable and waterproof to 33′ (10m), no housing needed
- Easy one-button control, power up and capture videos or photos with a single press
- Professional quality up to 1440p30, 1080p60 and 720p100 video
- 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst
Amazon Echo – $179
Device details:
- Plays all your music from Prime Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more using just your voice
- Fills the room with immersive, 360º omni-directional audio
- Allows hands-free convenience with voice-control
- Hears you from across the room with far-field voice recognition, even while music is playing
- Answers questions, reads audiobooks and the news, reports traffic and weather, gives info on local businesses, provides sports scores and schedules, and more with Alexa, a cloud-based voice service
- Controls lights and switches with compatible WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, and other connected devices
- Always getting smarter and adding new features and skills–over 95 added since launch
Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Headphones – $98.30
Device details
- Samsung Galaxy model using newly designed, tangle-free oval cable featuring 3-button in-line remote with integrated microphone
- Custom machined, low resonance stainless steel housing deliver a detailed and accurate sound
- High-quality dynamic transducers produce high output level with low distortion
- In ear canal design provides excellent attenuation of ambient noise. Multiple sized ear tips included insuring a personalized fit
Our review of the Momentum In-Ear
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Over-Ear Headphones – $128
Device details:
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring, professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort. Detachable cable
Samsung Gear VR – Virtual Reality Headset – $99
Device details:
- Works with Samsung Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge
- Light weight so you can play and watch more comfortably
- Easy to use touch pad
Huawei Watch – Starting at $299
Device details:
- 1.4″ full circle AMOLED display with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and stainless steel body
- Compatible with most devices with an iOS 8.2 or Android 4.3 or later operating system
- Get notifications and alerts for calls, texts, and apps with over 4000 Android Wear apps to choose from
- A variety of pre-installed watch faces and easily swappable bands for your own unique style
- Accurate fitness tracking with enhanced heart rate monitor and sensors to track running, walking, and more
Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch (Classic) – $299
Device details:
- Classic style with a ceramic bezel and 20mm Genuine leather band
- Intuitive circular interface and rotating bezel for easy navigation
- Access to important notifications, texts, and updates at a glance
- Compatible with most Android Devices.
- Wireless charging dock included
Naim Mu-So Wireless Music System – $1299
Device details:
- UPnPTM (Universal Plug ‘n’ Play); AirPlay ; Bluetooth
- Control volume, light settings, room modes, create playlists and activate multiroom. Almost every as
- Internet Radio ; USB ; Digital Input (Optical)
- Spotify Connect
Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation – $249
Device details:
- Auto-Schedule. No more programming. With auto-schedule, Nest learns from you and programs itself
- Auto-Away. Don’t heat or cool an empty home. Auto-away adjusts the temperature after you leave
- Remote control. With the Nest app, you can change the temperature, check energy history and get an alert if your home is too hot or cold
- Screen: 24-bit colour LCD, 480 x 480 resolution at 229 pixels per inch (PPI), 5.3 cm diameter
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 802.15.4 @ 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Nest Cam Security Camera – $182
Device details:
- 24/7 live video streaming – See your home on your phone in 1080p HD. And control Nest Cam from anywhere
- Alerts on your phone – Get motion and sound alerts so you know if anything happens
- Night Vision done right – See the whole room at night – not just a limited spotlight view
- Talk and listen – Hear the baby. Or talk back to get someone’s attention
- Quick, easy setup – Plug in Nest Cam and download the Nest app to get started. No hub needed
- Don’t miss a thing – Subscribe to Nest Aware to get 24/7 continuous recording and powerful cloud algorithms that give you personalized alerts. Every camera comes with a free 30-day trial
Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid – $149
Device details:
- Authentic Movement: Guide your BB-8 with a smartphone or tablet
- Listens & Responds: BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice
- Holographic Messaging: Record and view virtual holographic videos with BB-8
- Autonomous Behavior: BB-8 has a mind of its own – explore the Star Wars galaxy together
- Adaptive Personality: Your BB-8’s unique attitude and actions evolve as you interact
- Authentic Movement: Guide your BB-8 with a smartphone or tablet
- Listens & Responds: BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice
Amazon Prime Membership – $99
Details:
Receive all the benefits of Amazon Prime including FREE Two-Day Shipping for eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library for $99 a year.
The benefits include:
- FREE Two-Day Shipping on eligible items to addresses in the contiguous U.S. and other shipping benefits. For more information, go to Amazon Prime Shipping Benefits.
- FREE Same-Day Delivery in eligible zip codes. For more information, go to Order with Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery.
- Prime Instant Video: unlimited streaming of movies and TV episodes for paid or free trial members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to About Prime Instant Video.
- Prime Music: unlimited, ad-free access to hundreds of Prime Playlists and more than a million songs for members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to About Prime Music.
- Prime Photos: Secure unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive. For more information, go to About Prime Photos.
- Prime Pantry: Access to Prime Pantry, where members can purchase and ship to addresses in the contiguous U.S. low priced grocery, household, and pet care items for a flat delivery fee of $5.99 for each Prime Pantry box. Prime Pantry orders cannot be shipped to addresses in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
- Amazon Elements: Access to Amazon Elements products, Amazon’s own line of everyday essentials.
- Prime Early Access: Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.com and new events on MyHabit.com. For more information, go to About Prime Early Access.
- Kindle Owners’ Lending Library: access to members in the U.S. For more information, go to Kindle Owners’ Lending Library
- Kindle First: Early access for members in the U.S. to download a new book for free every month from the Kindle First picks. For more information, go to Kindle First.
- Video Add-On Subscriptions: Members can purchase Video Add-on Subscriptions to premium content providers. Browse available Video Add-on Subscriptions, or manage your existing subscriptions.
- Deals and Discounts, Compliments of Amazon Family: These include 20% off diapers through Subscribe & Save and 15% off eligible products from your baby registry. For more information go to Get 20% off Diaper Subscriptions or About the Completion Discount.
- Membership Sharing: Two adults living in the same household can create an Amazon Household to share certain Amazon Prime benefits. For more information, go to About Amazon Households.
Happy after-Xmas shopping!
The post Don’t know what to spend those gift cards on? Here are our recommended gadget deals appeared first on AndroidGuys.
The Wirecutter’s best deals: The Nexus 6P, and more!
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. Read their continuously updated list of deals at TheWirecutter.com.
You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.
Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker
Street Price: $145; MSRP: $150; Deal Price: $110 + $10 gift card
This deal is about $5 more than the lowest non-Black Friday price we’ve seen on this product before factoring in the gift card. The promotion is available on all colors and sizes of the fitness tracker.
The Fitbit Charge HR is our pick for the best fitness tracker. Jim McDannald said, “According to our tests, it’s more accurate at counting steps than most other wrist-worn trackers, not to mention it works seamlessly with Fitbit’s popular social ecosystem. And unique among most dedicated wrist trackers less than $200, the Charge HR uses a strap modeled after a traditional watch strap, which means it won’t ever fall off accidentally.”
Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard
Street Price: $90; MSRP: $100; Deal Price: $63
This deal is part of Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the Day, which means it will only be around through the end of the day. We actually had this up on the page yesterday when it dropped to $80 because that was one of its lowest prices in months, but $63 is its lowest price ever.
The Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch K811 Keyboard is our upgrade pick for the best Bluetooth keyboard. Kimber Streams wrote, “If you spend all day typing (like I do), you should upgrade to one of Logitech’s Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboards: the K811 for Mac or the K810 for Windows. Both are more comfortable than the K380 [our main pick], with smooth, well-spaced square keys; an adjustable backlight; and correct layouts for Mac and Windows users, respectively. Our upgrade picks also have rechargeable batteries and, like the K380, let you switch between three different paired devices with the press of a button.”
Google Nexus 6P 32GB Smartphone
Street Price: $500; MSRP: $500; Deal Price: $450
This is a rare discount on one of our newest smartphone picks. You’ll save $50 off the street price on a product that barely budges from the $500 mark. This is the first deal we’ve posted on this smartphone our guide on the topic was updated just this week.
The Nexus 6P is the phablet pick in our guide on the best Android phones. Ryan Whitwam said, “If you like big phones and don’t mind paying $500 up front, you should get the Google Nexus 6P. It’s our favorite Android phone of any we’ve used this year. The 6P runs pure Android 6.0 Marshmallow, sports a top-of-the-line 1440p Super AMOLED screen, and has an attractive unibody aluminum frame. On the back is one of the best cameras available on a smartphone, along with a Nexus Imprint fingerprint scanner that’s even faster and more accurate than the one on the Galaxy S6.”
Samsung UN40J5500 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV
Street Price: $450; MSRP: $750; Deal Price: $384
This deal isn’t quite as good as the one we saw on Black Friday, falling $16 short of the lowest price. It’s still a good deal because it’s the only other time we’ve seen it drop below $400.
The Samsung UN40J5500 is the better color/streaming pick in our guide on the best $500 TV. When comparing to our main pick, Chris Heinonen said, “It is only 40 inches instead of 43 and has a 1080p image instead of Ultra HD. It offers a more accurate image than the Vizio in terms of color and color temperature, but without the ultra dark blacks the Vizio can produce.”
Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.
Project Fi now offers device insurance
Users who purchased a Nexus 5X or 6P on Google’s Project Fi have sadly been unable to take advantage of the Nexus Protect program, Google’s insurance for Nexus devices. Google looks to change that this week by offering Project Fi users an insurance option directly from the carrier. The new insurance would be different from Nexus Protect, which is a one-time fee added on to a device purchase.
The Project Fi insurance will come in the form of a monthly charge of $5, which covers manufacturer defects as well as user-inflicted damage to the device. A possible downside to this plan versus Nexus Protect is that users will have to pay a deductible fee if they file a claim for anything other than a manufacturer issue. That fee will be $69 for the Nexus 5X and $99 for the Nexus 6P.
Interestingly, the new insurance program would cost more than Nexus Protect for the 5X and 6P. A quick look at the numbers shows that over two years, it would cost roughly $120 for insurance on one of these devices, but the Nexus Protect program offers coverage for the Nexus 5X and 6P for $69 and $89, respectively.It is worth noting that the Project Fi insurance only applies to devices bought through Project Fi, so users can still buy a Nexus directly from Google and enroll in Nexus Protect.
Source Phandroid
The post Project Fi now offers device insurance appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Google drops Nexus 5X and 6P prices by $50 for the holidays
Google announced on Wednesday that it has reduced the price for its flagship Nexus 6P and 5X handsets by $50. That means you can pick up a 6P or a 5X for as little as $450 and $330, respectively (and depending on how much onboard memory you spring for). What’s more, the company is offering free overnight shipping throughout the holiday season. The discount promotion runs through December 22nd while free shipping lasts until December 30th. These deals are only available to customers in the US and Japan, mind you. So if you’re in the market for one of these phones and don’t want to go through your carrier to get it, now is the time to act.
Starts today: 🎉 free overnight shipping 🎉 for US orders from @GoogleStore https://t.co/Wn1Bi1Rsay pic.twitter.com/BVN8f3LLhi
— Nexus (@googlenexus) December 16, 2015
Source: Google (Twitter)
Lumsing and AndroidGuys are giving away 10 four-port intelligent wall chargers
- INTELLIGENT QUICK CHARGE TECHNOLOGY: Detects and automatically switches to the right charging mode of the connected digital device for full speed charging of up to 4.2 overall amps.
- COMPACT POWERFUL CHARGER: Via 4 ports, the half palm-sized mini Cube charger delivers 21 watts of high-power to simultaneously to charge 4 devices, at top speed.
- SAFETY & LOW HEAT PROTECTION: Multi-protection system ensures complete safety for you and your devices. The built-in heat sink prevents the charger from getting too hot while charging.
- WELL-MADE TEXTURED SURFACE: Lumsing Unique Surface Treatment provides a textured grip to minimize the risk of dropping the charger, and the little, colored specks provide a unique feel.
The rules are simple.
- Like Lumsing’s Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/LumsingFans/).
- Share this post on Facebook.
- Leave a comment below in the comments section.
- Enter the giveaway from now until Sunday December 20 11:59PM PST. Winners will be contacted on Monday December 21. Just provide a shipping address and Lumsing will mail you the product direct.
All entrants will be able to receive one product at %50 off from the Lumsing Amazon store. Lumsing has over 16k ratings on Amazon.com, with over 97% overwhelming positive. They have a wide range of products from portable power banks, to wall chargers to accessory cables. We have positively reviewed its products on AndroidGuys.com, and use the products ourselves. In no way is Lumsing or AndroidGuys using this giveaway as an attempt to collect any personal information such as your phone number or credit card information.
From the team at AndroidGuys.com and Lumsing, we want to wish you a happy holiday season!
To learn more about Lumsing products head on over to the Lumsing Amazon.com storefront – LINK
Terms and Conditions
- Winners must live in the United States.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- Only one winner per household.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- Your email address will be given to Lumsing so they can contact you to send you a free prize
Lumsing Grand A1 accessory review
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Nexus 5X review: is the “all-around champ” back?
Another year, another Nexus. Except this time around, Google has released two Nexus phones. One of which is the phablet sized Nexus 6P, the all-metal Huawei smartphone that packs a punch in nearly every way possible. The other is the LG made Nexus 5X, marketed towards those looking for affordability and a smaller sized phone. Plenty of attention and anticipation has been given to the Nexus 5X this year, as it is the successor to the top sold Nexus phone back in 2013, the Nexus 5. The 5X attempts to fill the big shoes of its predecessor by bringing the year’s high-end specifications into a minimal, rectangular slab of plastic that’s around half the price of most premium flagship phones. Do Google and LG succeed this time around?
Before I start the review, a point must be made. Ever since last year, the smartphone market has taken a new direction. Many smartphone manufacturers now realize the potential of more affordable handsets, and have begun offering stellar hardware for almost half the price of the competition. We’re seeing more and more consumers purchasing these more affordable unlocked smartphones rather than the subsidized versions offered by many carriers.
High-end smartphones are entering into the “mid-range” price point, which is around $200-$300 less than they use to be a few years ago. Mid-range smartphones are going for price points between $100-$300 unlocked, and budget phones can be found for less than $100 outright, a la Moto E.
What’s my point? Compared to a couple years ago when the Nexus 5 came out, the current Nexus line has some heavy competition when it comes to price unlocked. No more can we say, “this is an amazing phone… for the price.” because there are currently a plethora of amazing phones… for the price. This leads me to the first category of the review, the overall design and build quality.
Design and Build Quality
My daily driver before the 5X was the Moto X 2014, another 5.2 inch phone, which currently goes for $299 unlocked. My immediate impressions of first holding the 5X left me with no excitement. I was holding a phone that felt lighter, cheaper, and more uncomfortable to hold. The first thing I noticed about the Nexus 5X design was how tall it was. Google went with an HTC kind of style that gives the phone a giant top and bottom bezel, making it look tall and narrow. I would be okay with this if there was a solid reason for how tall these bezels are, especially compared to the much more compact feeling Nexus 5 of two years ago. So far, I can’t seem to find one.
Sure, the 5X includes what looks like top and bottom front-facing speakers, but similar to the Moto X 2nd gen., only the bottom speaker provides sound for audio, while the top is merely there for voice calls.
“Who cares? At least the speaker is facing the right direction!” Well, while that statement is very popular, you won’t be very impressed with the sound coming out the 5X’s speaker. I usually love turning my phone speaker up to full volume to listen to music and for YouTube videos, but the 5X is almost painful to hear at that volume. It gets loud, louder than my Moto X, but the quality is just not there and not worth listening to at high volumes.
It’s just a bit of a bummer that the smallest Nexus offering from Google is still barely qualified to be held and used with one hand. I don’t have the biggest hands on the block, which is why I use smaller handsets and loved the original Nexus 5, but I feel betrayed that even by holding the 5X with my pinky on the bottom for support, I can barely reach the notification bar of the screen, thanks to the giant bottom chin of the phone.
As for the build quality, I have mixed feelings. The device is very light at 136 grams, but it almost feels hollow. As I tap the front or back of the phone, I feel a “springing” reaction inside, as if there is a lot of empty space. This makes me even more confused as to why Google would add so much space to the top and bottom of the phone. I cannot accept the excuse that the phone’s build quality and materials resembles the price asked, because it doesn’t. There are numerous phones that feel twice as solid and premium for the same price if not less.
Not to point out specific devices, but believe when I say the 5X build quality could be better for the price.
Negatives aside, I like the feeling of the matte plastic on the sides and back of the phone, mainly because of how smooth the backs feels when I hold it. The buttons on the right side feel great and durable, however I’ve gotten used to barely using the power button thanks to the addition of a fingerprint scanner on the back, AKA Nexus Imprint.
Nexus Imprint
One of my favorite features of the 5X is the new fingerprint scanner that Google calls Nexus Imprint. It’s placed on the back of the device right beneath the camera, and performs amazingly. The best part about it? It wakes the device without even needing to press the power button. Just place your finger on the scanner for a split second and your phone is awake. I did a quick test with my roommate’s iPhone 6 to see which scanner is faster at going to the homescreen from the unlock screen, and while it was extremely close, the Nexus 5X definitely unlocked faster. LG and Google nailed this part of the phone.
Performance
The Nexus 5X uses the Snapdragon 808 hexa-core chip capable of 64-bit computing. While this isn’t the fastest Snapdragon chip offered by Qualcomm this year, every day performance of it is incredibly close to the more powerful 810 chip. Apps launch quickly, animations are very smooth, and overall navigation of the device is easily one of the smoothest experiences of any phone out there.
The only downside to the Nexus 5X in terms of performance is multitasking, but only slightly. When using both my Nexus 5X and 6P and switching between apps, it was obvious which device had 3GB of RAM and which one only has 2GB. On average, I found that I could switch back and fourth between 5-7 regular apps (not games) before they were closed by the system and had to relaunch. If I kept the device on without powering it off for almost a week, the amount of apps the phone could keep running shrunk down to around 3-4 before closing them.
Gaming on the device is also quite smooth, as I played Modern Combat 5 Blackout, Contre Jour, Smashy Road, and Asphalt 8. Modern Combat wasn’t a very smooth gameplay experience, averaging about 25 frames per second, but other games performed just fine. From the one second launch of Google’s camera app, to scrolling through Google Now, Google+ and Chrome, the Nexus 5X is a solid performance upgrade from the original Nexus 5 and many other phones.
Battery
For a phone with a 5.2 1080p display and 2,700mAh battery, I was expecting a bit more from the 5X. My day starts at around 9:00 when I take the phone off the charger, and typically I was getting till about 8:30 pm. when the battery reached about 10% and I made the move to plug it back in. I consider myself a moderate smartphone user. I watch a couple YouTube videos (especially now that it’s holiday video game season), text using Google’s Messenger app, install and app or two and browse reddit quite a bit.
I have about three one hour long classes a day that I don’t use the phone at all either, so the 5X seems to have a heavy battery drain when the screen is on. I think this is because LG is still using some pretty old LCD technology that’s not very battery efficient, but I’ll talk about that in the display section of the review. However, when the screen is off and the phone is sleeping, that’s when the real battery saving magic happens. Doze, which is one of Android 6.0’s newest features, is a battery saving software optimization that restricts heavy app activity when the phone is sleeping. With my Moto X ’14, I lose about 3-5% battery when my phone is off during my hour class. With the 5X, I didn’t lose a single percent.
So, if you’re a user that doesn’t have the screen on all the time and keeps the phone asleep a lot, you’re going to be getting great battery life.
Software
The premier feature of Google’s Nexus phone are the promise of the latest and greatest Android updates before any other phone. The Nexus 5X ships with Android 6.0 AKA Marshmallow. Marshmallow is a much more polished and speedy version of Android 5.0 Lollipop. Performance of Android 6.0 on this phone flies through anything you throw at it, and because this phone will be updated for quite some time with newer version of Android, you should not expect this software to slow down anytime soon, especially compared to other smartphones on the market that weigh themselves down with heavy UI skins.
Android has needed better battery management for a long time, and Google’s finally taking steps to improve this with Doze. Doze has eliminated my fear of not plugging in my phone overnight, risking the loss of 5-15% battery life. Now, I’ll be surprised if I lose more than one percent overnight. Doze works fantastically.
Google Now on Tap is a new feature exclusively for Marshmallow that allows the users to hold the home button on any screen to scan all words present to provide an overlay of Google search results right on top of the screen pertaining to information you need. It’s a really neat feature that works almost flawlessly, and I can’t wait to see what Google does next with it.
Overall, the software of this phone leaves me with the impression I’ve never experienced before with Android. I no longer feel like I’m beta testing Android. I feel like I’m using an incredibly polished software that does just what I need it to and more.
Display
The Nexus 5X sports a 5.2 inch 1920x1080p display using IPS LCD technology. If you have any worry that images won’t look as sharp as a 1440p display, ditch that thought now. The 1080p display on this phone is incredibly crisp and you’re not going to be noticing any pixels. The only problem with this display is the fact that LG is using the same screen tech that the original Nexus 5 had, which was considered cost-effective even in 2013. The only difference is this screen is .2 inches bigger. When you compared this screen against the Nexus 6P or most newer AMOLED panels, you’re definitely going to prefer the latter.
Colors are a bit washed out and don’t pop as much as AMOLED panels. What’s most troubling is the fact that LG is capable of making LCD panels look amazing, such as their Quantum Dot displays on the G4 and V10 smartphones. Yet they still use dated LCD panels for the 5X because it’s considered a “budget phone”. Overall, I consider this screen average for today’s offerings, and wasn’t made to “wow” anyone.
Camera
Nexus devices have always lacked an impressive camera, but Google aims to change that this year. The Nexus 5X and 6P share the same 12.3 megapixel camera with laser auto-focus and dual flash. While this doesn’t sound as impressive as other camera offerings on paper, such as the Galaxy S6 and G4’s 16 megapixel camera, the real world results are exceptional.
“The best all-around camera we’ve ever put into a Nexus shines in low-light conditions.” Google was not kidding when they stated this on the device page.
The camera on the 5X captures the perfect amount of detail and is the best camera I’ve ever used in low light situations. As I took a walk through campus at night, I was amazed with the clarity the 5X was able to capture. Take a look at some of the pictures below. I wouldn’t dare attempt these with my beloved Moto X 2nd gen.
Switching to the front of the phone, the 5X offers a large 5 megapixel camera, and it performs just as it should. I use my front-facing camera mainly for Snapchat, and I was very impressed with the camera capturing low-light selfies without much noise.
I don’t record very much video with my phones, but my judgement on the Nexus 5X’s video recording capabilities are average. The detail and focusing abilities are great for me, but I really wish they included optical image stabilization, something the original Nexus 5 included. Even with the software image stabilization enabled, the videos were shakier than I would have liked. The new Sony Xperia series, as well as LG and Samsung flagships provide much better stabilization in their cameras.
Conclusion
The Nexus 5X is almost everything I wanted for the successor to Google’s 2013 flagship phone, but it’s not enough for me to keep as my new daily driver. The build quality feels cheaper than it should be considering other options in the same price range with better build materials, such as the new Moto X, OnePlus 2, OnePlus X, and more. I also don’t see why Google couldn’t have included the Snapdragon 810 instead of 808, considering they used the latest and greatest Snapdragon 800 in 2013’s Nexus 5. Google also skipped out on higher RAM memory, and it definitely shows when multitasking slows down when not powering the phone off after a few days.
However, the Nexus 5X offers a camera that competes heavily for best smartphone camera of 2015, the best battery life of any Nexus phone, and zippy performance that bests just about any high-end Android phone today. On top of this, you’re getting the latest Android updates before any other phone, and monthly security updates from Google, keeping this one of the most secure phones available today. Google currently offers this phone for $299, but that will go back up soon. For that price, I heavily recommend this phone. But once the price goes back up to the original offer, that recommendation is a lot harder to make.
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iOS and Android are both great. Here are some reasons to consider switching to Android.
I know I am going to get my fair share of hate emails and comments from this post, but I beg you try to keep an open mind when reading through this article. I understand that the whole Apple iOS versus Google Android debate is a heated topic for many, and expect comments on both sides of the fence. Let’s try to keep the comments civil.
I am going to do my best to explain why Android is a great alternative to iOS and try to avoid the whole Android is better than iOS debate as best as I can. I think both platforms are successful and by no means are Google or Apple struggling for cash. Monetarily you can say both are pretty darn successful. Apple is worth more money based on market value, but Google has more market share. I know that I will have a decent amount of bias towards Android, since I do use Android as my primary platform, and I also write for a website called AndroidGuys.
But it is in my nature to look at all things with an open mind: I am a scientist at a biotech in San Diego, and it is my job to investigate and offer answers with actual information to back it up. Any good scientist uses the Scientific Method to ask questions, investigate, acquire knowledge, and to use evidence to develop conclusions based on results. Once a conclusion is developed it is my job to test it and to prove it.
In my immediate family we are split 50/50 in what mobile software we use. My father uses an iPhone 6S+ and my older brother uses an iPhone 6 at my recommendation. Both of them started with the Apple iPhone, and are the type who prefer to stick with what works and to stay within one ecosystem. iPhone’s have great cameras, software, design, build, customer support and more. Just because I use Android doesn’t mean I force it on my own family.
My mother uses a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and I use a a wide variety of Android devices like the Nexus 6P, 5X, Asus Zenfone 2 and the Doogee F5. My older sister uses an iPhone 5S, and she also uses an Android LG G2 too. So even in my own family, we are split 50/50 on what platform we use.
My devices
So let’s put the debate of what is better behind us. Let’s just take a look at Android and why it is a good alternative to iOS.
Let’s start with the most important factor: Price
iPhone 6S 4.7″ 16GB – $649
iPhone 6S+ 5.5″ 16GB – $749
Whether you buy an iPhone on a 0% financing plan, two-year contract, or in full, you’re going to pay a heck of a lot of money. Because Apple is the only company who makes the iPhone, the price stays relatively unchanged throughout the course of its one-year life cycle. Apple owns a monopoly on its products and can charge accordingly. It’s quite rare to see any technological device hold its value so well, but the iPhone does it regardless. And it even has incredible resale value. Apple controls its mobile market share by not making iOS accessible to other manufacturers.
Samsung Galaxy S6 5.1″ 32GB – $679.99
Samsung Galaxy Note 5.7″ 32GB – $699.99
Nexus 6P 5.7″ 32GB – $499.99
Nexus 5X 5.2″ 16GB – $379.99
There are dozens of Android device manufacturers. There are so many that I can’t even find an accurate count on the web. I listed the biggest Android device manufacturer in Samsung, and I also listed Google’s pure Android Nexus devices. Android phones can be expensive too. It’s difficult to do a direct comparison to iPhones, because the Samsung S6 line has been out since the Spring, while the iPhone 6S and Note 5 line have only been out since the Fall. Internal hardware varies greatly from device to device too.
The prices for the Galaxy line devices are clearly almost identical to the iPhone, with the Galaxy devices offering more base storage than the iPhone. Google’s own Nexus devices are $180-300 cheaper than the iPhone which means you can save money with pure Android devices. On top of the initial MSRP savings, Android prices drop much faster, but at the same time have terrible resale value. Overall, the upfront fees can be much cheaper when buying an Android device.
Letv 1s 5.5″ 32GB – $238
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″ 16GB – $249.99
Nu Mobile Z8
Who? Who the heck is Letv and Nuu Mobile? I know you have heard of Motorola, but the Letv 1s and the Nuu Mobile Z8 are example devices that come unlocked with fantastic features. They also run the same Android software that the more expensive devices like the Note 5 and S line run. You haven’t heard of Letv because they are focused on the Chinese market.Nuu Mobile is a up and coming Android device manufacturer with a small budget and can’t afford to blast advertisements around the world.
And just because these devices are cheaper, doesn’t mean they lack in hardware.
Letv 1s
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: MTK6795 64bit Octa Core 2.2GHz
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 5.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: 1.7 GHz Octa-Core Processor, MediaTek MTK6752 64-bit
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 8.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Android software is easy to use, is secure, can be customized, and Google apps are loaded with features
Again, I’m not here to argue that Android is better than iOS. Both email, text, make phone calls, browse the web, play videos and music, and take pictures incredibly well. There is no arguing that both platforms do the basics with ease.
The iPhone just works. I know it does. But that doesn’t mean Android devices don’t work. Many of us, me included, got started with iOS. I bought the first iPhone on the day it was released and waited in line for every subsequent release until the iPhone 5. I made the switch to Android when I took the time to evaluate the software with an open mind. Android is as safe as iOS and iOS is as safe as Android. Both Apple and Google make security the top priority for their software. Don’t buy into all of the misinformation out there about one being safer than the other.
The other sad truth is no software is bug free. Both Android and iOS have their fair share of bugs which is the reason why they release updates.
Google Search
Just “Google” it. Google’s search tools are so powerful that many of us have swapped the word “search” for the company name Google. The dominance of Google search is so overwhelming that the name Google has become a verb. We don’t say just Apple it, Yahoo it, or Microsoft it. Many of us say just “Google” it because Google has become synonymous with searching and researching unknowns. It like calling tissue “Kleenex”, lip balm “Chapstick”, or cotton swap “Q-Tips”.
Google owns the market share when it comes to searching, and Google Search is native to Android devices making it a super powerful tool. Yes you can download Google Search software onto iOS devices, but there are benefits to being native. You can “Google” directly from any screen on an Android device, while it constantly keeps you up to date on weather, stock prices, news, parking location and more through Google Now.
Google Photos
Arguably the best feature about Google Photos is that you have unlimited storage for FREE. Once backed up, you can access your photos from anywhere you have an internet connection and a web browser. You no longer need to worry about saving your most precious memories on back-up hard drives with Google Photos.
Here are some other great features taken directly from the app landing page:
VISUAL SEARCH
Your photos are now searchable by the places and things that appear in them. Looking for that fish taco you ate in Hawaii? Just search “food in Hawaii” to find it – no tagging required.
FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR DEVICE
Never worry about running out of space on your phone again. In Settings, just tap “Free up device storage” – photos that are safely backed up will be removed from your device’s storage, but will still be available in Google Photos.
BRING PHOTOS TO LIFE
Enjoy automatically created montage movies, interactive stories, collages, animations, panoramas, and more from your photos. Or you can easily create them yourself – just tap +.
SHARED ALBUMS
Get everyone’s photos and videos in one place, across iOS, Android, and the web. Privately sharing all the photos you took – and getting the ones you didn’t – has never been easier.
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive
Google has its own answer for word processing, spreadsheet editing, presentation building, file storage and collaboration all for the price of nothing. Most of us learned how to use these tools using Microsoft Office, but Google created its own powerful tools and they are native to Android as well. Just like with Google Photos, all Google Docs are accessible from tablets to smartphones to desktops. And Google Docs is also compatible with Microsoft file types, while offering almost all of the same powerful features.
An alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides offers a great and free way to make presentations.
Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time.
Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application that allows you to store and organize different types of information, much like Microsoft Excel.
Project Fi
Project Fi is Google’s answer to cellular service. It isn’t Google’s own network – they have partnered with providers to offer its own affordable plan. Only select Nexus devices(Nexus 6, 6P and 5X) can access Project Fi, but it is a strong reason to give consideration to Android. Project Fi is still very new so this reason is highly debatable. But here are some reasons to consider it:
Project Fi is a combination of Sprint and T-Mobile
Project Fi coverage map
What’s included in the Fi Basics?
What happens if you go over your data budget?
You can bring your own number to Fi
Like any other provider, you can simply transfer your number when you sign up.
Android Wear
Wearables are taking hold in the marke,t and Android is at the forefront. Yes, Apple has its own watch too, which is great in its own right, but there is much more selection with Android. Tag Heuer, Fossil, Asus, LG, Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei are some of the major manufacturers of Android Wear devices, and the list continues to grow. With Android Wear you can monitor your activity levels, open apps, search and text using just your voice, get notifications, see the time and more.
Android Wear watches feature always-on displays, so you’ll always see important info like time, calls, and alerts. Respond to messages right from your watch, even when your phone isn’t with you.
Works with your Android phone or iPhone
Android Wear requires a phone running Android 4.3+ or iOS 8.2+. Supported features may vary between platforms. Visit g.co/wearcheck on your Android phone or iPhone to see if it’s compatible.
Android Wear is native to Android and is a great reason to consider Google’s software as an option.
You should consider Android if you don’t use it already
No I don’t work for Google, even though sometimes I wish I did. Google employees get get free food and drinks just for showing up to work! I have been to the Google campus, and they even let guests eat and drink for free. I hope Google let’s me hangout at its campus again some day in the future. It truly is an experience I will never forget.
Instead, I work for a biotech and research neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, and the like. We get free coffee and tea, but I am not complaining. Nothing is more gratifying to me than working to solve unmet medical needs.
It’s my job to look at problems objectively, to ask questions, to research and to develop conclusions based on evidence.
In no way am I arguing that Android is superior to iOS, or vice versa, but I am offering reasons why you should consider Android if you are not using it now. There are fantastic devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 or the Nexus 6P that offer the latest and greatest hardware, or there are fantastic alternatives like the Letv 1s or Nuu Mobile Z8 which offer great hardware for budget conscience users.
The software is also incredible and better yet, the applications Google provides are completely free to use.
If you would like to learn more, head on over to Google.com. No you don’t have to switch to Android – there are plenty of great features on iOS too.
My favorite Android commercial.
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Screenshots on Android are now as straightforward as ever
Google is introducing a new way to take screenshots, one that will be accessible to anyone with an Android device that is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and above. The contextual arm of Google Now, known as Google Now on Tap, now has a dedicated share button to take a screenshot of your display before choosing the app to send it to.
Screenshot using Now on Tap
Screenshot using physical buttons
Come comment on this article: Screenshots on Android are now as straightforward as ever
The Moto E will be updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow after all, in select regions only
A month or two ago when Motorola first published its list of handsets that were eligible to be updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you might have noticed that there was some distinct outrage that the Moto E 2015 wasn’t mentioned. Motorola has since updated the list, with the Moto E 2015 making an appearance. It is only good news, however, depending on which region you live in.
According to the newly updated list, the Moto E 2015 will be updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but only in the following regions:
- Canada
- Latin America
- Europe
- Asia
If you own a Moto E 2015 that originated from China or the US, it would appear you are still out of luck. While it’s a nice surprise for the eligible regions, for the US and China, it’s still a bitter pill to swallow for a handset released only a few months ago, especially since Motorola had promised timely updates.
Do you think Motorola will update the list again to include US and China? And how does this color your view of Motorola? Let us know in the comments. Afterall
Source: Motorola
Come comment on this article: The Moto E will be updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow after all, in select regions only
AIVAnet 