Meet Engadget’s new buyer’s guide picks: iPad Air 2, Note 4 and more!
New iPads. A new Galaxy Note. New Google… everything. Chalk it up to the holiday shopping season, but we’ve been mighty busy reviewing new gadgets lately. Which means, it’s high time we update our buyer’s guides. This time around, we’re replacing the iPad Air with, you guessed it, the second-gen edition. Interestingly, though, we’ve declined to add the iPad mini 3 — we still think that for most people the cheaper iPad mini 2 is the smarter buy. Oh, and we got rid of a couple tablets too: Since the Nexus 7 and the 2013 Kindle Fire HD have both been discontinued, it doesn’t make sense to keep recommending them.
As for smartphones, say hello to the Galaxy Note 4, the best big-screen handset you can buy. In addition we’re adding Sony’s Xperia Z3 flagship and the Moto G in the budget category. In the wearables category, we still recommend the Moto 360, particularly given a recent update that improved battery life, and also the fact that it’s more reasonably priced than the new LG G Watch R. Finally, you’ll notice we haven’t added any laptops this month. That’s because we’re currently testing a bunch of Ultrabooks, Chromebooks and gaming laptops, and it’s too soon to say which ones we like best. Good thing we update this guide so often. Will we add Samsung’s new, lower-end Chromebook 2? Maybe the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro? Will the Nexus 6 and Microsoft Band make the list? Check back soon to find out.
Filed under: Announcements, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Lenovo
Source: Engadget Buyer’s Guide
Test build of Android 5.0 leaks for the Galaxy S 4
Earlier this week Samsung confirmed that the getting-long-in-the-tooth Galaxy S 4 would, in fact, receive Android 5.0 Lollipop. Of course we’re curious about how that will look on the device and today we get to see a sneak peek. Like the Galaxy S 5, SamMobile was able to score an internal build of Lollipop for an S 4 and as such, made a video for it.
According to the gang at SamMobile, the build is far from complete and the build is nowhere close to being ready for daily driver status. As such, you won’t see a leak of this build. However you’ll see a sneak peek of the OS in action.
Click here to view the embedded video.
What we see from the video is Touchwiz optimized for Lollipop. Samsung has brought a few features from the S5 and Note 4 to the S4 too. You’ll see the My Magazine launcher and the popping colors lockscreen. System apps have also received a material makeover. The build that this S4 is running is an older build (LRX02E) and not the final Lollipop code base (LRX21M). Given that it’s an early build, there’s probably a whole hell of a lot to be added between now and the release of the update for Samsung devices.
source: SamMobile
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Galaxy S 6 could sport a curved dual-edged display
Codenamed “Project Zero,” the Galaxy S 6 could have some radical changes in store. Speaking at the IHS Display Analyst Conference, senior analyst Jerry Kang said that the Galaxy S 6 will feature a dual-edge curved display. This means that both the right and left edges of the display will be curved, unlike the Galaxy Note Edge, which only features the right edge.
We’re not sure if this would be a special edition like the Galaxy Note Edge or be present on all models of the Galaxy S 6. I suspect a special edition as I am not sure Samsung will be ready for that kind of mass production. Either way, it appears that Samsung is frantically trying to come up with things to intrigue consumers now that Apple is offering iPhones with larger displays. However is this something that consumers desire?
source: Korea Herald
via: G4Games
Come comment on this article: Galaxy S 6 could sport a curved dual-edged display
Samsung to launch new phone series after Galaxy A arrival
We all know that Samsung has a lot of devices on the market. In the last few months, the company did start to condense its range of tablets. That is not likely to happen with its phones, but Samsung will take a look at how they are named. On the heels of the Galaxy A arrival, Samsung is going to introduce another series with the single letter approach.
The logical series to assume that this is for would be whatever falls under Project Zero, Samsung’s next flagship.
Source: SamMobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung to launch new phone series after Galaxy A arrival
Samsung will offer watch straps and bangle options for the Gear S
If you’re planning on picking up Samsung’s Gear S, you should be happy to know that the company is planning on supporting the 3G smartwatch with several accessories, including multiple colors of wrist bands and some extra bangle straps. Samsung has updated the listing for the Gear S on their UK website to show several different straps that will likely become available once the watch starts shipping.
If you like the basic wrist watch band, you’ll be able to pick one up in five different colors: white, blue black, cobalt blue, mocha, or supreme red. The options are definitely better than some of the colors we saw from Samsung’s earlier Gear smartwatches, (looking at you, lime green Galaxy Gear) and swapping out wrist bands is incredibly easy. All you’ll have to do is pop out the Gear S from one wrist band and stick it in the new one and you’re good to go.
If you want something a little different, Samsung will also offer two bangle wrist straps which are a little thicker and wider. The bangles will only be available in blue black and white, however.
No word on pricing yet, but once the Gear S releases I’m sure Samsung will be quick to clarify.
source: Samsung UK
via: Sammobile
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See which apps and games are draining your phone battery and chewing up the most storage
Apps are easily the biggest draw of owning a smartphone, but unfortunately, they can also be what hinders the performance of our devices, too. AVG anonymously collected data from over 1 million smartphone and tablet users to measure just which apps drained battery the fastest and used up the most storage space, and the results are pretty interesting.
Performance draining apps were considered on a combination of battery drain, storage space used, and data consumption, and Facebook rounded out the top 10. Yep, the Facebook app that nearly everyone has installed is responsible for more performance drain than any other app. Some other culprits include Facebook-owned Instagram, Path, Spotify, and BlackBerry Messenger.
The second list just focused on which apps drained the most battery, and Samsung embarrassingly managed to snag 3 of the top 10 spots on the list. Samsung’s AllShare Cast Dongle updated took the top spot, with ChatOn at number 2 and WatchOn at number 5. While it’s technically not a Samsung app, the number 3 battery draining app was the Beaming Service for Beep’n’Go, which sometimes does come preloaded on Samsung devices. Facebook grabbed the number 6 spot on this list.
The list for which apps use the most storage spins some negative light on other pretty commonly used apps, too. The number 1 app was the New York Times Breaking News app, while Spotify sits at number 3, Facebook at number 4, and Google Chrome at number 5. Surprisingly, Google Play Music didn’t break the top 10, but Instagram showed up on this list again.
AVG separated the most performance hungry games in their own category, and it shows that games from Candy Crush Saga developer King are responsible for quite a bit of battery drain. 4 of the top 10 games were developed by King, although Minecraft snagged the number 4 spot and Angry Birds pulled up at number 10.
You can check out the full list of apps at the break. How many of these performance draining apps do you have installed on your devices?
source: Cnet
Come comment on this article: See which apps and games are draining your phone battery and chewing up the most storage
Verizon Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014)
In the hunt for a new smartphone from Verizon? Regardless of whether you’re buying your first Android or upgrading for the fourth time there’s something for everyone. And, as you might suspect, Big Red has plenty to choose from. In fact, counting variations, there are roughly two dozen models to choose from today.
As the lone carrier to offer the Droid series, Verizon transitioned the family away from other hardware makers into an exclusive relationship with Motorola. Beyond that, you’ll also find some devices that are exclusive to the nation’s largest wireless provider.
Defining high-end
Today’s top Androids feature big, gorgeous displays, fantastic high-resolution cameras, and lots of memory. Toss in some quad-core and octa-core processors and some killer high capacity batteries and you’ve got mobile devices that would rival your computer from just a few years back.
As 2014 draws to a close and we look at the hardware from late model Androids it’s not uncommon to find screens hovering at 5-inches or larger. Thanks to ever-shrinking bezels we have phones with massive displays that also happen to fit comfortably in our hand. And, they’re not only big, but they’re sharp, too. Resolutions across the the top models are 1080p and higher. For what it’s worth, we’re starting to get our first glimpses of 2K and Ultra HD screens. It can be argued that average users cannot discern much beyond 720p/1080p on such a small device.
If you’re not coming to the table with at least a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM then you’re not going to sit at the big boy’s table. Most of the bleeding edge stuff you’ll find today comes with 3GB memory and chipsets of around 2.3GHz – 2.7GHz.
Storage capacities, for the most part, haven’t moved forward quite as quickly as other areas. You’ll still routinely find 16GB and 32GB models in most models though some are creeping into the 64GB space. Given that many handsets offer external storage via microSD cards it should matter little where you start out – especially if cost is a factor.
Another important factor in determining a smartphone purchase is the version of Android. Typically, it’s a simple case of “the newer the phone, the newer the operating system”. Today’s most recent phones are powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat but anything running at least 4.4 should suffice for the average person. You will still find an occasional straggler, though, running something older.
Flagships & Exclusives
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Launched in October, this is Samsung’s annual plus-sized experience. Thanks to the release time-frame, these are typically a step-up from the Galaxy S series of smartphones. Standout specs include 32GB storage, a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 3GB RAM, an S Pen stylus, and a 3220mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S5: Released in spring 2014, it’s the most popular series of Android models to date. Hardware includes a 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, 16GB storage, and a 2800mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G3: LG’s increasingly popular family of phones, this one is unique in that it features rear button configuration under the camera. Verizon | Best Buy
- Motorola Moto X (2014): Motorola’s now annual flagship model, the Moto X is significant for its stripped down Android experience. Slightly bigger than last year’s model, this one has been very well received in the space. Verizon | Best Buy
- Sony Xperia Z3v: The first Sony smartphone for Big Red, it’s sleek, sexy, and waterproof. Featuring a 5.2-inch 1080p display, the handset also boasts a stellar 20.7-megapixel rear camera, and 3200mAh battery Verizon
- Motorola Droid Turbo: The first Droid from Verizon in over a year, it’s big and beautiful with a lean Android 4.4 KitKat experience. Standout features include turbo charging (8 hrs juice in 15 minutes) and a Quad HD display. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC One M8: Perhaps the oldest model in this list, HTC’s flagship handset received very high marks for its build quality and toned-down custom UI. Often cheaper than others in the group, it’s still plenty of bang for the buck. Verizon | Best Buy
Mid-range
While not always the case, the mid-range Android is typically made up of last year’s top models. This is not to suggest, however, that there’s not a one-off model or variation that sneaks in every once in a while. Specs, as you can imagine, are often a step below. Processors, cameras, and batteries are sometimes the key difference though many of them also feature a screen resolution of 720p or 1080p. What follows what could be considered some of Verizon’s middle-of-the-pack handsets.
- LG G2: One of LG’s breakout devices over the last few years, the smartphone was the first to employ the rear button setup. Killer hardware and a refined UI make this one hard to resist even a year later. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4: Quite possibly one of the most popular handsets ever, this Samsung features a 5-inch 1080p display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 2600mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Maxx: Centered around its all-day battery life, the Droid Maxx is one big and powerful device. As often is the case with these signature Motorola handsets, this one features Kevlar coating and a splashproof screen. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Mini: Still powerful enough for the typical smartphone user, this Droid is smaller in hand. At 4.3-inches it might feel diminutive by today’s standards, however it gets the job done. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC Desire 612: As a budgeted approach to the flagship One M8, you’ll find slightly less powerful hardware and a plastic housing. The 4.7-inch qHD display looks sharp and shows off the modern approach to HTC’s Sense UI. Verizon
- HTC One Remix: Also an offshoot of the One M8, this HTC packs a 4.5-inch screen and eschews Ultrapixels in favor of 13-megapixels. The front-facing 5-megapixel shooter is a selfie-lover’s dream. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G Vista: A twist on the flagship G3, the G Vista boasts a massive 5.7-inch HD display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Toss in a 3200mAh battery and a quad-core CPU and you’ve got an excellent option for plus-sized smartphone lovers. Verizon | Best Buy
Entry-level
- LG Lucid 3: Employing the more traditional button configuration, LG’s phone comes with a 4.7-inch qHD display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and 1.2GHz quad-core chipset. Still present are some of LG’s custom software enhancements. Verizon | Best Buy
- Kyocera Brigadier: The most, if only, rugged Android in Verizon’s lineup today, the Brigadier can withstand water, dirt, drops, and even tough weather conditions. Strong enough to get the job done, you’ll get a 4.5-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, too. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: A smaller take on the 2013 flagship model, the S4 Mini has a very pocketable 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel rear shooter, and plenty of Samsung software features. Verizon
- Droid Razr M: Thanks to a 4.3-inch, nearly edge-to-edge screen, this Droid simply feels great in hand. Kevlar coating and a scratch resistant glass make this one tough phone. Specs, including software, are a step behind the others listed here. Verizon | Best Buy
The post Verizon Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung working on a 5.9-inch 4K Super AMOLED display for next year’s Galaxy Note 5
2014 gave us the first smartphones with a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display, but that’s not good enough is it? I am thinking 700+ ppi makes a lot more sense doesn’t it? Yup, I am talking Ultra HD baby, as in 4K. Well Samsung seems to agree as they are working on a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display that will sport a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a ppi of 746.
This is hardly surprising since Samsung did reveal a roadmap (above) during their Analyst Day last year. It does show an UHD display for sometime in 2015. If Samsung does pull this off, expect to see it on the Galaxy Note 5.
Overkill? Possibly, but with Samsung’s phones allowing you to display multiple apps at the same time on the display, it actually is utilized. It means that you could shows 4 pop up apps on the display at the same time giving you a resolution of 960 x 540 (qHD) for each app. Displaying 3 apps at the same time would give you 720p each. So you see, you do need it 
source: Phone Arena
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Accessory of the Day: Samsung Galaxy S3 replacement battery, $9.40
Can’t get enough power? If you’re looking for a replacement battery for your Samsung Galaxy S3, this is one heck of a deal. This OEM battery has terrific ratings and costs only $9.40 (Prime eligible). At this price, we may be grabbing two. How’s your S3 holding up?
Join Prime and get this deal with FREE two-day shipping!
Also worth checking out:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII [White] (Unlocked) – $157.47
- Motorola Moto G [Black] (Unlocked) – $199.99
- Western Digital 1TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive – $59.99
The post Accessory of the Day: Samsung Galaxy S3 replacement battery, $9.40 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Gear Circle is Samsung’s new way for instant hands free communication
Samsung announced today a new tech toy for a hands-free communication. Known as the Gear Circle, the tech is said to be both light-weight and sweat resistant. The kicker is this wireless stereo headphone sits around your neck, vibrating when you have an incoming call. There’s more it can do.
It also supports other Bluetooth-enabled devices and comes with touch controls that makes it easy for active people to use. It boasts nine hours of play time and 11 hours of talk time. The earphones can be detached and to pause music, pausing them is as simple as putting them back together. Users can receive voice notifications using Text-to-Speech through S Voice.
The Gear Circle is currently available in a number of T-Mobile stores, comes in back and blue and will be available at AT&T, Samsung,com and Amazon.com later this month. Those who want it in white will have to buy it from Best Buy as they will carry that color exclusively.
source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Gear Circle is Samsung’s new way for instant hands free communication
AIVAnet 