Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – December 5, 2015
Sometimes the most controversial smartphones require a second opinion to get the whole story across, and that’s definitely a theme we saw this week. Josh and Lanh both recently posted their full reviews of the BlackBerry Priv and Nexus 5X, and now the two have published their additional thoughts on these two controversial devices.
This week we also managed to bring you our full reviews of the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro and Marshall London, and we got a chance to unbox a new budget-friendly Chinese smartphone, the Vivo X6. We’ve also rounded up some of the best Android phones you can buy right now, as well as a big list of apps and games that just recently made their way to the Google Play Store.
Our video team has been very hard at work this week. So without any further ado, here are all the Android-related videos you don’t want to miss.
Taking another look
Nexus 5X – second opinion
Google’s latest budget-friendly Nexus device has a great camera, a familiar build quality and a low price point, but is there anything else you should know before purchasing one for yourself? Lanh has already posted his full review of the Nexus 5X, but Josh has some more to say. Don’t miss Josh’s second opinion on the new Nexus 5X.
BlackBerry Priv – second opinion
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The BlackBerry Priv is an impressive Android device. It has a beautiful curved display, a slide-out keyboard that’s incredibly reminiscent of past BlackBerry phones, and even a great software experience. Josh posted his full review a few days ago, and now it’s Lanh’s turn to share his thoughts. Be sure to check out Lanh’s second opinion of the BlackBerry Priv.
Reviews
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro review
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With a built-in kickstand and projector, impressive display and solid battery life, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro has really impressed us so far. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Check out Bailey’s full review to learn more.
Marshall London review
The Marshall London is a smartphone built by audiophiles for audiophiles. But what else does it bring to the table? Find out in Josh’s full review.
The best of the best
Best Android phones (December 2015)
With so many different Android handsets on the market, we know it can be pretty difficult to find the one that’s right for you. Allow us to help! Take a look at our roundup of the best Android smartphones you can buy as of December 2015.
10 best new Android apps and games from November 2015
There have been some killer apps and games released to the Google Play Store over the past month or so, and Joe is here to let you know which ones are worth a download.
See also: 70 best Android games
First look
Vivo X6 first look
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The Vivo X6 is the latest smartphone to come from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, and we just recently got the chance to take a look. Be sure to check out Ash’s thoughts on the brand new Vivo X6.
Android Apps Weekly
Play Store sales, Futurama, and much more – you don’t want to miss Joe’s latest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
New Galaxy rumors
The Samsung Galaxy S6 certainly brought a lot to the table over its predecessor, so it’s not a huge surprise to hear that the S7 might not be a huge improvement. Be sure to check out Jayce’s video coverage and Matthew’s full report on the latest scandalous Galaxy S7 rumor.
Samsung agrees to pay Apple $548 million in settlement
Samsung has been fighting Apple in court for years, but it sounds like it’s getting near to letting it all go. The South Korean electronics maker has agreed to pay Cupertino $548 million — or a little over half the original $1 billion amount the court wanted it to pay — as soon as December 14th to settle an almost five-year-old case. According to Foss Patents, the rivals have filed a joint case management statement shortly after the Court of Appeals denied Samsung’s request for a hearing on whether Apple can ask payment for invalid patents.
Source: FOSS Patents
Android phones and tablets on sale at Expansys this weekend (December 5)
Save big on LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony, and HTC
Shopping around for a smartphone this holiday season? Have you ever considered picking up something that’s unlocked right out of the box? Yes, this freedom means you can take your phone to other carriers without having to give up your favorite device. Unlocked phones are a big deal and they’re only going to get bigger over time.
We’ve looked through Expansys to put together a number of deals that you ought to check out. Some of what you’ll find is pretty significant stuff; most of these prices are for a limited time only. Nevertheless, we figured you’d be interested in learning about the discounts. In addition to phones, you’ll find some tablet sales, too.
- Motorola Moto X Style (32GB) Black – $429.99 (Save $70)
- Motorola Moto X Style (32GB) White – $429.99 (Save $70)
- LG Nexus 5 (32GB) White – $199.99 (Save $150)
- LG Nexus 5 (32GB) w/ Refurb LG Tone+ Bluetooth headphones) – $219.99 (Save $160)
- Samsung Galaxy S6 (32GB) Black – $469.99 (Save $50)
- HTC Nexus 9 LTE (32GB) Black – $349.99 (Save $50)
- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (16GB) Black – $319.99 (Save $70)
- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (16GB) White – $319.99 (Save $70)
The post Android phones and tablets on sale at Expansys this weekend (December 5) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
10 Android phones you should consider for Sprint (December 2015)
Are you in the market for a new smartphone? Is Sprint the service provider you’re considering? You’re in luck! We’re here to help you pick out that next handset. If you’re an existing smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade won’t be too much of a challenge. But, for others, particularly first-time buyers, the idea of buying an Android might make them nervous.
Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig mine through the muck and pull out a few gems.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Sprint this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Sprint if you’re currently contemplating a new device.
LG G Flex 2
Introduced early in the year, this phone was among the first to boast a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. It’s powerful enough to contend with most Androids and features a 13-megapixel rear camera with laser focus and optical image stabilization. What it also offers, is a self-healing protective coating, which means your keys and general wear won’t ruin the finish. Also, the phone is curved in multiple ways and allows for one of the most comfortable experiences around.
LG G Stylo
LG Stylo
A low-cost alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note line, the LG G Stylo gives users plenty of screen space and a stylus for which to write. Running a still-recent version of Android (5.1 Lollipop), this one comes with 8GB internal storage and 1GB RAM. The quad-core processor isn’t gonna set any benchmarks but the total package is affordable and worth the money. First-time buyers looking for a big screen should consider the 5.7-incher.
HTC One E8
Although the HTC One E8 is powered by an older version of Android (5.0 Lollipop), it’s a powerful experience that’s enough for most average users. Don’t let the plastic body fool you; there’s a fair amount of hardware under the hood. Specs include a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage. Toss in a microSD card for up to 128GB extra storage and satisfy your media needs.
LG Tribute 2
You might ask why we have a phone with these specs listed as a recommended buy. The answer is simple: the price is more than fair considering the package. We like what LG has been doing these last few years and this is a great starting point for smartphone newbies. The 4.5-inch screen, is among the smallest you’ll find in today’s smartphones but it feels really good in most hands.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Sprint
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon
Google Nexus 6
Running an untouched version of Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 is among the first to receive an update to the 6.0 Marshmallow build. The 6-inch screen might be a little bigger than you’re familiar with but the reviews and feedback have been solid. Internal storage is tapped at 32GB with no microSD expansion card slot but it should be enough for those who live in the cloud.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at Sprint
Samsung Galaxy S6
Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.
LG G4
LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.
HTC One A9
As the only HTC model on this list, we’re big fans of the new design cues and direction. It’s not necessarily a powerful smartphone, but it’s more than enough for first time buyers with plenty left over. It’s the first non-Nexus handset to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow and enjoys features such as Doze, Android Pay, and Android on Tap. For the first time in a few years we are excited about HTC again and can’t recommend this phone enough for its target demographic. The 5-inch screen feels terrific in hand and the fingerprint scanner is highly responsive. Check out our review of the HTC One A9.
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for Sprint (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung to pay Apple half a billion, but case not over yet
In a new joint filing with the courts submitted by Samsung and Apple, Samsung has agreed to pay over half a billion dollars to Apple pursuant to the judgment against them in a patent dispute between the two companies. This “sort of” settlement comes nearly five years after Apple’s original complaint and several years after Apple succeeded at the trial court level. Thus far, Samsung had not paid a single penny on the original award that was over $1 billion, but now they have agreed to make a payment of $548 million, the current amount owed after a series of appeals and adjustments. Despite agreeing to this payment, Samsung thinks they are retaining the right to possibly get some of this money back at some time in the future, a point that Apple disagrees with.
According to the case management document submitted to the court, Samsung reserves
“all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple and/or payment by Apple of all amounts required to be paid as taxes. […] Samsung further reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise, including as a result of any proceedings before the USPTO addressing the patents at issue or as a result of any petition for writ of certiorari filed with the Supreme Court.”
Samsung was recently denied a petition seeking an en banc hearing with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals on whether Apple could get payments for patents that have subsequently been ruled invalid by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Samsung seems to think the ‘915 pinch-to-zoom patent, ruled invalid by the USPTO, should no longer be considered for damages. Signs point to Samsung seeking additional relief with the U.S. Supreme Court over some of the design patents that were part of the original lawsuit as well.
Apple disputes the possibility that Samsung could legally claw back some of the monies owed even if the patents that served as the basis for damages are ultimately ruled invalid and indicate this position in the case management filing. According to the filing, Samsung will complete payment to Apple no later than December 14th if they receive an invoice from Apple before the weekend starts in Korea.
source: U.S. District Court
via: FOSS Patents
Come comment on this article: Samsung to pay Apple half a billion, but case not over yet
‘Gone’ is a VR thriller from the ‘Walking Dead’ team
While playing games and watching 360-degree videos in virtual reality is fun, the medium is so powerfully immersive that it seems to beg for something more compelling; something that goes beyond just VR versions of existing content. That’s the idea behind Gone, a recent collaboration between Samsung and Skybound Entertainment — the production company behind the Walking Dead TV series — that’s described as a serialized virtual reality thriller. After a glimpse at the first episode and a chat with a few people behind the scenes of the project, I can say that it’s a piece of content that is absolutely unique to VR, making me more intrigued than ever at VR’s narrative possibilities.
‘Gone’ is a VR thriller from the ‘Walking Dead’ team
While playing games and watching 360-degree videos in virtual reality is fun, the medium is so powerfully immersive that it seems to beg for something more compelling; something that goes beyond just VR versions of existing content. That’s the idea behind Gone, a recent collaboration between Samsung and Skybound Entertainment — the production company behind the Walking Dead TV series — that’s described as a serialized virtual reality thriller. After a glimpse at the first episode and a chat with a few people behind the scenes of the project, I can say that it’s a piece of content that is absolutely unique to VR, making me more intrigued than ever at VR’s narrative possibilities.
Cricket Wireless discounts ZTE, LG, and Samsung budget smartphones for this holiday season
Cricket Wireless today announced discounts on budget Android smartphones from ZTE, LG, and Samsung for the holiday season. The AT&T pre-paid subsidiary will run these discounts through January 7, 2016.
The subsidiary traditionally offers its discounts through mail-in rebates, but this time around, any price cuts will be applied instantaneously. The three smartphones Cricket Wireless is discounting are as follows:
These budget Android smartphones have an original price tag of $29.99, $99.99, and $149.99, respectively, but are discounted at $9.99, $29.99, and $49.99, in that order.
Once again, keep in mind that these deals start today and will last through January 7, 2016, so you have a little over a month to take advantage of this new promotion from Cricket Wireless.
Anyone interested?
source: Cricket Wireless
Come comment on this article: Cricket Wireless discounts ZTE, LG, and Samsung budget smartphones for this holiday season
Samsung to Pay Apple $548 Million Settlement in Five-Year Old Patent Trial
Just under five years after the beginning of the patent dispute between tech giants Apple and Samsung, the companies yesterday agreed to a settlement of $548 million to be paid by Samsung, as ordered by the San Jose federal court hosting the trial (via FOSS Patents). Samsung is said to now be waiting for Apple’s official invoice of the settlement, and if it arrives by the end of day on December 4, it has promised to send the $548 million in full to Apple by December 14.
Samsung found a slight loophole in its agreement to pay the Cupertino company, however, retaining the right to continue appealing the court system and even the ability to “reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid” by the company. So, if the court does agree to one of Samsung’s appeals in the future, Apple could see some — or all — of the $548 million returned back to its rival.
“Samsung continues to reserve all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple and/or payment by Apple of all amounts required to be paid as taxes. […] Samsung further reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise, including as a result of any proceedings before the USPTO addressing the patents at issue or as a result of any petition for writ of certiorari filed with the Supreme Court.”
In its own part of the filing that made its way through the court system on Thursday, Apple noted that it “disputes Samsung’s asserted rights to reimbursement.” Earlier in August, Samsung announced plans to try and appeal the patent trial all the way to the United States Supreme Court, following a series of appeals it lost in the intervening years since the legal battle began in 2011.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 may see a UK release after all
At the Unpacked event back in August, Samsung revealed three things. First, the new Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. Second, the Galaxy Note 5. Third, that the UK (and the rest of Europe) would only be getting the S6 Edge Plus. Now, however, the rumor on the grapevine is that the Note 5 may be heading to the UK after all.
See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
The Note 4 is something of a phablet phan phavorite, so when word got out that its successor wouldn’t be hitting European soils, some reacted with much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. True, the S6 Edge Plus is a gorgeous device in its own right, but stylus-wielding Note users have gotten used to the Note line’s massive screen and attached pen. Many were puzzled by Samsung’s decision to restrict the Note 5’s launch to the US and Asia. Samsung did release an “explanation,” but nobody was particularly satisfied with it because it was mostly just empty business-speak that left the future of the Note 5 in the UK ambiguous:
“The market availability of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will vary according to consumer needs and the specific market situation. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will be introduced in the US and Asian markets in August and we will look at further opportunities to launch the Galaxy Note 5 in other markets. For our European customers, Samsung’s portfolio will be centred on the Galaxy S6 edge+, so as to better cater to their needs.”
See also: Best Android phones (November 2015)
As we’ve learned in the tech world, “ambiguous” is often synonymous with “never.” However, now we’re hearing some pretty reliable rumors that the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will be finally arriving in the UK in January 2016. Gadgette’s Holly Brockwell reports that the Note 5 will grace UK’s shore in “late January 2016,” citing an anonymous “trusted source.” Android Central confirmed the report from their own source.
Still, this by no means, official info, so the best we can do now is cross our fingers and hope it’s true. And we still have no clue if the Note 5 will ever make it to the rest of Europe.
What are your thoughts on Samsung’s counter-intuitive release schedule with the Note 5? Let us know in the comments!
AIVAnet 