Android Phone Fans
Android Phone Fans |
- Make it stop: #bendgate continues with new Galaxy Note 4 bend test [VIDEO]
- Motorola Droid Turbo exposed in leaked user manual, confirms beastly hardware specs
- HTC RE: $199 GoPro alternative for normals who love capturing life’s special moments [VIDEO]
- HTC aims for the Mona Lisa of #selfies with HTC Desire Eye and its 13MP front camera
- HTC RE vs. GoPro: which is the better portable camera?
- HTC Zoe 1.0 available on Google Play later today, iOS later this year
- HTC RE camera is official, pre-order now for $200 [VIDEO]
- HTC Desire EYE is official, dual 13MP wide angle lenses on the front and back [VIDEO]
- Google could be considering adding app and game trials to the Google Play Store
- Chromecast update brings custom wallpapers, news, weather backdrops, and more
- Galaxy Nexus gets updated GPU drivers, may lead to Android L support
- Pro Tip: how to protect your Moto 360 from dings and scratches
- Sprint cuts Galaxy Note 4 contract price to $300
- Google Now can show you when your bills are due
- Nokia HERE Maps arrives for Samsung smartphones
| Make it stop: #bendgate continues with new Galaxy Note 4 bend test [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Oct 2014 05:41 PM PDT After reports from users of Apple’s latest (and biggest) flagship falling victim to a pair of skinny jeans, the newest trend in tech was the bend test. Everything from the Moto X, HTC One M8, to the Galaxy Note 3 were subject to the new stress test. With a growing number of YouTubers The original iPhone 6 Plus video — which can be credited with sparking the worldwide #bendgate phenomenon — has seen over 50 million views since it went live and now the same guy (Unbox Therapy) is back yet again. Looking to cash in another check, he takes the all new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for a spin, putting it through his very scientific stress test which simply involves applying pressure with his thumbs until something breaks. Everybody’s gotta have a schtick. Fast forward to 2:37 to skip the lengthy commentary.
|
| Motorola Droid Turbo exposed in leaked user manual, confirms beastly hardware specs Posted: 08 Oct 2014 03:00 PM PDT Where rumors and leaks hinted as much, the Motorola Droid Turbo is, in fact, a thing and coming soon to Verizon Wireless. How can we be so sure? Well, the phone’s user manual has just been leaked in its entirety, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming superphone. According to the leaked pdf, we can expect the phone to come equipped with a 5.2-inch QHD display, 21MP rear facing camera, and although exact mAhs weren’t mentioned, there was a little something in there about a “high-capacity long last battery.” Yeah, this thing is going to be a beast. Taking a look at the front, the phone looks very much like what we’ve come to expect from the Droid line (a bit uninspired, really), packing capacitive navigation buttons and a front facing speaker. Another crazy tidbit? Motorola’s super fast Turbo Charger which takes advantage of Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology will also come inside the box. Seriously, if you consider yourself a spec whore, this phone is sure to please. |
| HTC RE: $199 GoPro alternative for normals who love capturing life’s special moments [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:49 PM PDT People want ways to passively capture special moments in their life without having to miss the moment while staring at a screen. GoPro is living proof, recently growing from a niche product for extreme athletes to a public company valued at more than $10 billion dollars. Google Glass accomplishes passive photography too, albeit for more casual purposes, but also comes with a much higher price tag and geek stigma. HTC is making a case to be the next big player in the space with the HTC RE, a camera that blends passive photography with stylish looks at an affordable price. The RE looks like a little periscope – a well thought out form factor that serves many purposes – most notably the ability to set it on a flat surface and begin taking extended video for set-it-and-forget-it activities or time lapses that would otherwise require a accessories or Mother Teresa-like patience. The shape also makes holding it extremely comfortable, especially when your shot requires an extended arm to raise above a crowd or other obstacle. A perfectly placed button on the top rear will snap a picture when pressed or begin recording video when long-pressed. But what are the specs? I can already hear you asking… so let’s talk about what firepower that $199 price tag brings. HTC RE SpecsHere is what comes packed in the HTC RE. (We’ve done a separate comparison of the HTC RE vs GoPro Hero3 White, both priced at $199 so something you’ll definitely want to check out.)
That’s the nitty gritty, but there some important takeaways worth noting. First, taking 16MP pictures at 146 degrees means you’ll often capture way more image than you need to, enabling you to simply point, shoot, and crop to meet your needs later. This is essential due to the purposeful lack of a viewfinder and particularly helpful when taking group selfies. The RE will work as a standalone device, able to transfer files via MicroUSB, but the real magic comes with the companion RE application for Android and iOS. A few of the things it can do:
You’ll see a complete showcase of the HTC RE’s features in our hands-on video and full review, but perhaps what the HTC RE does best is get out of the way. “Step out from behind the viewfinder and focus on the moment, not on your camera… – ” But… how do you carry it? Not hold it- holding it is very comfortable and feels great. Nice and light. Nice shape. Really good feel. I’m talking about carrying it. Taking it with you. Nobody will want to hold it in their hand 24/7 and putting it in your pocket could expose the lens to scratches. Thankfully this isn’t something that HTC overlooked. The HTC RE Travel Pack will include a lens cover and a lanyard, allowing you to put it in your pocket or around your neck for super quick and convenient access. The lanyard could be particularly interesting to use while recording, but if the RE is a success, better “action” accessories could come next. Another nice inclusion comes just below the MicroUSB port, where you’ll find an ISO standard tripod mount (1/4 inch tripod connection), further extending the HTC RE’s flexibility. How long will the battery last? The battery is only 820 mAh but with no viewfinder sucking up energy, the HTC RE is capable of taking 1,200 16MP photos or recording 100 minutes of continuos Full HD video. If you need more than that… you’re probably astalkerish paparazzi creeper guy that needs to chill out. There’s no power button, either, and that’s a good thing. It’s because the HTC RE has a grip sensor that knows when you’re holding it and ready to rock/shoot/record, automatically activating it from its cozy sleep. Of course if you want to use it without holding it, you can remotely operate the camera with a phone that’s Android 4.3 and above or iOS 7 and above. Pretty nifty. If you leave it on your nightstand and don’t use it you can expect the battery to last up to 2 months. Warning: Underwater shots! Be careful with this suggestion! Rarely do companies promote underwater use of electronics unless their device is extremely waterproof, more often calling these devices water resistant to prevent accidental damage. Here is how you can plan to use the HTC RE in water:
And even then, I wouldn’t be as daring as the above conditions suggest you can be. Sure, hold it near the surface of a swimming pool to get a shot or two, but be careful- one slip of the fingers in the deep end and you’re $200 in the red. Don’t forget that elements like salt water aren’t included in these ratings either. If you’re looking for use in extreme conditions, buy a GoPro. If you’re looking for more casual use the HTC RE is for you. Which has us wondering… what ever happened to those Flip cams? Is the HTC RE worth buying?This is the ultimate question: the device will become available this holiday season for $199 at the following locations:
Whether it’s worth buying depends on mostly one thing: how do the pictures turn out? That’s something we’ll most definitely test in a full review, so stay tuned. In the meantime the HTC RE looks like a promising product in a totally new territory. It’s exciting. It’s different. It identifies a whole in the market and fills a need. We’re hoping it lives up to the expectations because this thing has a chance to really rock… and we’d like to see even more innovation from HTC. Head on over to our HTC RE Forums to discuss with other tech enthusiasts on Android Forums! Hands-on video: |
| HTC aims for the Mona Lisa of #selfies with HTC Desire Eye and its 13MP front camera Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:48 PM PDT
HTC has been studying consumer behavior and they’ve noticed something about you: you’ve been taking an awful lot of selfies. Unfortunately, even on today’s newest flagship phones, front facing cameras are severely limited in capabilities compared to their rear facing counterparts. The megapixels are usually capped at about 5, there’s no flash, lowlight quality is hideous, and unless you’re in the most amiable of photographic conditions the final product is often mediocre at best. Why should consumers have to make such a huge compromise on an activity that takes up a good portion of their phone’s use? According to HTC product managers, you shouldn’t have to compromise. And with the newly announced HTC Desire Eye smartphone, you won’t have to: it makes selfie compromising a thing of the past by stuffing two 13MP cameras into the device (one front and one rear). It doesn’t stop there, though: both front and rear cameras have dual LED flash. That’s right. The HTC Desire Eye has a 13MP front facing camera with Dual LED Flash. Watch out, Mona Lisa… you’ve got some competition. Beautiful 13MP selfie-galore is on the way. Other key HTC Desire Eye specs:
See the full HTC Desire Eye spec sheet In case you’re wondering, the 22mm equivalent vs the 28mm equivalent is deliberate decision that will help capture more people in one photo by having a wider field of view. Beyond the MegapixelsPutting such a powerful camera on the front of a smartphone is a pleasant departure from the norm, but the Desire Eye doesn’t only aim at being a camera beast in the hardware department. HTC is investing a lot of time and energy into creating a more complete photography experience that includes software features and services, too. Some simple ones you’ll find both familiar and helpful:
The most gimmicky feature might be my favorite: it’s called “crop me in” but it would more appropriately be named “photobomb”. As you can probably guess it cuts you out of a selfie, then allowing you to insert yourself in another picture. Our friends on Google+ might be reminded of a similar featured from a few months back when David Hasselhoff photobombed everyone auto-awesome style for April Fools. These features (and more) will debut with the Desire Eye as part of the “Eye Experience” but they’re indicative of a bigger HTC shift towards enabling consumer tech experiences beyond traditional smartphones. You should not only expect the Eye Experience to roll out to other HTC smartphones, but also other devices (both Android and iOS) and other product categories. HTC seems set on identifying and fulfilling unmet needs, something the Desire Eye certainly achieves. Zoe camera One piece of software that illustrates this shift is HTC’s Zoe camera. In addition to becoming compatible with all Android devices with Android 4.3 and up, HTC will also offer an iOS client starting next year. What’s new in Zoe camera on the Desire Eye? It’s got a collaborative feature that could be pretty impressive. We’ve seen phone manufacturers and social networks explore the concept of grouping together media by location and relationships and automatically generating highlight reels; now HTC is bringing similar functionality to Zoe. Imagine friends at a baseball game all pooling their resources together, all easily able to gain access to eachother’s pics and mash their collective media into a short, compelling clip that tells a story. And get this: you can collaborate with an unlimited number of people, including strangers. One small addition that Instagrammers will appreciate is the ability to automatically share to Instagram, something that’s been missed in Zoe to date. What about Boom Sound?My first reaction to seeing the “we don’t compromise” 13MP front camera was, “but what about Boom Sound”? It was (and still is) one of my favorite features on the HTC One M8 (among other devices). Given the engineering required to pack the camera tech into that tiny frame and seeing the absence of the huge speaker grills, I assumed Boom Sound was the compromise. That was not the case: smaller speaker grills, yes, but Boom Sound is alive and well on the top and bottom of the HTC Desire Eye. Cranking the volume up still yields beautifully crisp, clear, and loud audio. Yahtzee! Rock Solid, Rock OnThe Desire Eye was manufactured with a shock injection molding process that creates a device with:
Structural integrity has been a hot topic lately, so you’ll feel safe knowing that the Desire Eye “won’t warp and creek” from regular wear and tear or create gaps and crevices over time that will catch hair and dust and other unpleasant things. And no, this is not a warrant or license to start trying to bend it in half like an idiot. Pricing & AvailabilityPerhaps the most disappointing feature of the HTC Desire Eye is that – at least for now – it’s an AT&T exclusive. Pricing and availability remain to be seen, but HTC representatives described it as the “flagship of the Desire phones” which means considerably more affordable than the HTC One M8 but the most expensive of the Desire phones. At the moment the only secondary color for the Desire Eye will be the red pictured above but, if we had to guess, other colors will soon follow-namely blue and white. Expect the phone to launch in time for the holidays. HTC Desire Eye Pictures and Hands-on VideoClick to view slideshow.HTC Desire Eye ForumsQuestions about the Desire Eye? Planning on getting one? Can’t decide? Head on over to our HTC Desire Eye Forums to discuss with other Android enthusiasts, courtesy of Android Forums. There you have it, the HTC selfie machine makes no compromises. But be warned: avoiding compromising selfies themselvies is still up to yousies. |
| HTC RE vs. GoPro: which is the better portable camera? Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:45 PM PDT HTC's newly announced RE camera takes on a new market for the company — a market that has seen surprisingly little competition in recent years. Since the Flip camera faded out in large part thanks to the rise in smartphone video capture quality, the GoPro line has become a go-to option for folks seeking an affordable, portable, and durable camera. We take a look at how GoPro's $199 Hero3 stacks up against the similarly priced HTC RE. Image QualityImage quality, above all, is generally the benchmark by which we rate and compare the ultimate usefulness of a camera. Throw in all the bells and whistles that you want, but if the photo and video produced by any one particular device doesn't impress, it might as well be a paperweight. The good news is that both the HTC RE and GoPro Hero3 are capable of some excellent shots. The HTC RE would appear to be the better of the two on paper. It features a 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with an ultra wide-angle lens and f/2.8 aperture. The Hero3 likewise sports an ultra wide-angle lens with f/2.8 aperture, but it sports a resolution of 5MP. The gulf between the these cameras, however, is not as wide as the megapixel count would suggest. The GoPro line has been lauded for the high quality photos and video it is capable of producing. There is a reason that Hero series cameras have become the go-to option for professional production crews looking to capture great action shots in the most treacherous of situations. Though we haven't had much time toying with HTC's offering, the early results are impressive in their own right. It's safe to say where still photography is concerned, the RE might have a step up. Video isn't as easy a call. Shooting ModesBoth the GoPro Hero3 and HTC RE benefit from multiple modes for snapping photos and shooting video. The Hero3 ultimately offers slightly more in the way of options. HTC RE users will benefit from 1080p video at 30fps along with 4x slow motion video at 720p. The RE also features time-lapse recording capabilities. The Hero3 offers 1080p video at 30fps, but also provides the more "cinematic" option of 25fps. The GoPro can also be switched to 960p at the same frame rates or dropped to 720p and WVGA resolutions with frame rate options increasing to include 50fps and 60fps. In addition, the Hero3 offers burst photo mode as well as its own time lapse function with various capture intervals. Design & DurabilityYou won't confuse the HTC RE for a GoPro. The two feature drastically different design. The RE looks like a mini periscope, a tubular body with its lens positioned at a curved end. Its measurements can be roughly transcribed as 96.7 mm tall and 26.5 mm wide with a total weight of 65.6 grams. The RE is plenty portable and designed to fit comfortable in the grip of your fist. The GoPro, on the other hand, carries a more traditional camera form factor, though miniaturized. It measures 60.9 x 58.4 x 40.6 mm and weighs 74 grams naked. Throw on the included waterproof, dust-proof housing and things increase to 136 grams. It's hard to compare the Hero3 to the RE in terms of form factor, but let's just say both are extremely compact and lightweight and easily tossed in a bag or purse (the RE might be slightly more pocketable). As for durability, the RE is waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes right out of the box (IP57). The GoPro Hero3 isn't inherently waterproof, but throw on its form-fitted case and the RE can't come close in terms of water and dust resistance. With camera housing properly attached, the Hero3 can travel to depths of 131 feet with no time restrictions. The RE seems a little more geared to the casual user whereas the GoPro appeals to a slightly more extreme crowd. Storage, Connectivity, & BatteryBoth cameras operate off of microSD storage. The GoPro Hero3 can support media up to 64GB. The HTC RE will work with cards with capacities reaching 128GB and comes with an included 8GB card. The edge here obviously goes to the RE. Both devices sport micro USB and WiFi connectivity. The HTE RE also gets Bluetooth LE (4.0) while the GoPro features a microHDMI port. Both devices are capable of connecting with Android and iOS devices (the RE relies on BLE while the GoPro works with WiFi) for sharing photos and videos as well as providing a remote viewfinder and camera controls. The Hero3 gets the edge when it comes to battery life. The GoPro device ships with a rechargeable 1050mAH battery estimated to provide over two hours of continue full HD recording at 30fps. The RE boasts an 820mAH power cell capable of producing about an hour and half's worth of 1080p, 30fps video recording. Accessories & OptionsThe HTC RE is a new device and a new venture from HTC; it features few accessories beyond a wrist lanyard to keep the camera secured to your person. The GoPro Hero series is the exact opposite with a thriving ecosystem offering mounts and attachments for almost any activity you can think of filming, including cycling, skydiving, and even playing the guitar. For the purpose of our comparison we have been looking at the $199 GoPro Hero3 due to the pricing coming in at equal to that of the HTC RE. Those broadening their horizons will find that GoPro offers a variety of cameras to choose from including the new Hero4, geared toward the professional crowd, and the Hero, an entry-level camera boasting many of the same features as the Hero3 for $70 less. So which would you choose for your on-the-go video needs? Let us know in the poll below. |
| HTC Zoe 1.0 available on Google Play later today, iOS later this year Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:35 PM PDT After HTC opened up their Zoe photo/video editing application to devices outside their own earlier this year, they’ve now announced that it is finally out of beta, with Zoe version 1.0 arriving on the Play Store later today. The craziest part? Android devices are only beginning. HTC mentioned that an iOS version of Zoe will be arriving for the iPhone later this year. (Gasp). |
| HTC RE camera is official, pre-order now for $200 [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:28 PM PDT During HTC’s Double Exposure event in NYC, HTC President of Americas Jason Mackenzie took the stage to officially unveil the HTC RE camera. A sort of GoPro video for the everyday man, the camera will allow you to film all of life’s precious moments and easily transfer them to your smartphone via a handy app. You can pre-order the RE Camera for $200 right now via its new website in 4 colors: orange, teal, white, or navy blue. Make sure to check out our full hands-on post here. [Pre-order: HTC RE] |
| HTC Desire EYE is official, dual 13MP wide angle lenses on the front and back [VIDEO] Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:26 PM PDT HTC’s Double Exposure event is off in full gear, with HTC’s VP of Industrial Design Jonah Becker taking the stage to officially unveil the all new HTC Desire EYE. The phone is a first of its kind, coming equipped with dual 13MP cameras (and colored LED flash) on both the back and front of the device. Aimed at the internet’s new obsession with selfies, the phone is sure to cater to the younger crowd. Although it’s definitely not the first we’re seeing of the device (there have been quite a few leaks tipping us off to the device’s existence beforehand) we now have a solid spec sheet for those wondering about its raw hardware capabilities. Check ‘em out down below. HTC Desire EYE specs
HTC is also giving the camera app itself an overhaul, with their new “EYE Experience” coming preloaded on the device out of the box. The camera software suite features a handful of useful new “selfie” features, like split capture (taking a photo using both front and rear cameras), face tracking for video calls, and even screen capture should you want to share something stored on your device. Can’t wait to get your hands on the HTC Desire EYE? The phone will be launching later this year as an AT&T exclusive. Now we don’t feel so bad about the HTC One E8 not launching outside of Sprint. The Desire EYE should make for a nice replacement. |
| Google could be considering adding app and game trials to the Google Play Store Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:01 PM PDT Despite numbers showing the Android OS dominating the smartphone market share, some were surprised to find that iOS users still fork over the most money for their apps (a staggering $5.1 million a day compared to Google’s $1.1 million according to recent reports). To help get wary consumers pulling the trigger on those $.99 cent apps, Google is reportedly mulling over the idea of implementing a try-before-you-buy trial period for games and apps in the Play Store. Details are scarce, but it’s said to work in a similar fashion to the way you only have to download a portion of an app or game when updating (as opposed to the entire thing). This trial portion would allow for users to download only a specific portion of the app to see how it functions and if they like, download the rest of the app at full price. Like Costco but without fighting with kids over the last chicken nugget sample. It’s pretty easy to see how this would not only save time, but decrease data costs when looking for something new to download outside of a WiFi connection (you know how much data costs these days). This would prove especially useful in emerging markets where data is further constricted. Of course, this is all just rumor at the moment with nothing set in stone. [The Information | via Engadget] |
| Chromecast update brings custom wallpapers, news, weather backdrops, and more Posted: 08 Oct 2014 12:11 PM PDT It’s been awhile since we’ve seen a good Chromecast update, but today, one of the most long requested features is finally being addressed. New for Android and iOS are backdrops, custom backgrounds the user can configure to display everything from custom wallpapers, to news and weather. Setup is a breeze and gives users a robust set of options like displaying their own photos (off by default), art (from Google Open Gallery and Google Cultural Institute), weather in your location, satellite images, featured Google+ photos, or news from your Google Play Newsstand account. Although social networks or sites like Tumblr aren’t supported quite yet, it’s pretty easy to see where Google can take this. If you’re ever curious to learn more about whatever is being displayed (like some sort of the art), at any point you can either open the Chromecast app and tap on what’s being displayed (backdrop tab), or open up the Google app on your phone and speak the command “What’s on my Chromecast?” Doesn’t get much easier than that. The Chromecast 1.8.22 is rolling out in stages right now on Google Play, so either wait around until it’s available for your device, or sideload the app by downloading the updated apk here. You can learn more about backdrops by visiting Google’s all new landing page. |
| Galaxy Nexus gets updated GPU drivers, may lead to Android L support Posted: 08 Oct 2014 11:36 AM PDT There’s something about Nexus phones that other phones don’t quite have. It’s that 9 lives factor, knowing that any given device from the Nexus line probably won’t die as long as there was ever a strong development community behind it. We’ve seen it time and time again, and now the same is ringing true for the Galaxy Nexus. With Texas Instruments out of the mobile space and the Galaxy Nexus well past end-of-life, you’d probably think it’s crazy to expect to be able to get Android L loaded up onto it. Thankfully that isn’t the case as developer heroes MWisBest and Ziyan’s work with the Galaxy Nexus’ OMAP chipset has ensured that the device won’t be left by the wayside anytime soon. A recent update for the chipset’s Ducati cores now allows for more stable video encoding and decoding, as well as proper communication with the device’s camera drivers. KitKat was but an ugly duckling of a port before now, but this update makes it just as stable as it is on nearly any phone you’d find, and the same stands to be true for Android L once that finally arrives. Many have already upgraded to more contemporary devices such as the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 (and soon to be Nexus 6), but if you’re still clinging to your Galaxy Nexus then you can pop a cork and celebrate a little. Keep your ear to the development scene as we head to the closing moments of the year. [via XDA] |
| Pro Tip: how to protect your Moto 360 from dings and scratches Posted: 08 Oct 2014 10:28 AM PDT Last week I wrote an article about the first 12 things you should do with the Moto 360. One of our fine readers wisely suggested a 13th thing to do: buy a screen protector. We never even considered the idea of putting a screen protector on a smartwatch, but the reader made a very good argument for it. So that is exactly what we are going to do. A watch is much more susceptible than a phone to dings and scratches since it lives on your wrist. All day it’s out in the open with zero protection. One door jam or brush up against a wall and you could have a nasty scratch on your precious device. The idea of a scratch on my shiny new Moto 360 was enough to make me instantly buy some screen protectors, and you should too. For about $6 (including shipping) you can get a pack of 6 screen protectors from Amazon that should last a long time. The reason I chose these specific screen protectors is because they are sized to fit the display without overlapping the beveled edge of the glass. Klear Cut also has screen protectors for the upcoming LG G Watch R, but if you have the LG G Watch or Samsung Gear Live you’ll want to check out Spigen. ApplicationRepeat after me: “bubbles and dust are not my friend.” Those are the only things that can really screw up the process of applying a screen protector. With that in mind, here are the steps to successfully applying a screen protector.
You’ll know if you’ve succeeded if you can’t tell the screen protector is there. The screen protector is like Batman. Because it’s not a hero. It’s a silent guardian. A watchful screen protector. |
| Sprint cuts Galaxy Note 4 contract price to $300 Posted: 08 Oct 2014 09:59 AM PDT Once upon a time, Sprint asked you to pay $350 for a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on contract — that’s a full $50 more than it’s going for on other carriers. Someone super smart at Sprint decided it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to overshoot the price that their competitors put up so they went ahead and brought it down. You’ll now have to pay just $300 if you upgrade to the Galaxy Note 4 using a new two-year contract. Of course, going the Easy Pay or off-contract route remains the same. That’s still a $720 price tag that can be split into 24 equal payments of $30 per month if you prefer to go those routes. No one ever said it wasn’t going to be expensive — this is one of the most advanced smartphones in the market, after all. Let us know if this price change will make you more inclined to buy your Galaxy Note 4 on-contract. |
| Google Now can show you when your bills are due Posted: 08 Oct 2014 09:14 AM PDT Google has added a neat little feature for Google Now in case you’re forgetful when it comes to paying bills. Saying or typing “show me my bills” or “my bills due this week” in the Google Search box on your phone will now bring up bills that are due soon, as well as past bills (that you may or may not have paid). Wondering how Google gets that information in the first place? Well, your Gmail inbox gives them all they need. Kind of unsettling, but hey — they’re indexing and your inbox for purposes of search and targeted ads anyway, so why not? If you have bill notifications coming to your inbox with the due date and amount then they should be included in this query. Give it a go the next time you need to crunch some numbers and get your payments squared away. And for the paranoid? You might as well close your Gmail account because this is what Google does. Love it or leave it. [via Google+] |
| Nokia HERE Maps arrives for Samsung smartphones Posted: 08 Oct 2014 08:00 AM PDT Nokia has announced the availability of their maps app for Samsung devices starting today. Nokia HERE isn’t Google Maps, and you may be asking yourself why you’d bother using it over Google’s home-cooked goodness. Believe it or not, Nokia HERE is actually one of the most robust and complete turn-by-turn solutions out there in terms of actual navigation. For starters, it has “true” offline maps that you can download instead of Google’s cache-based system. You can download entire countries at a time and don’t have to worry about caching specific areas, and searching works offline just as it does online. On the other hand, Google Maps only allows you to cache a specific area, and there’s a set limit to how much of the map you can cache. Many folks have issues going beyond the city view for any fairly large cities. To top that off, Google Maps’ cache is cleared on a regular basis (around every month) so you’re always having to make sure the area you need is cached before heading out onto the road. And search doesn’t work offline, so there’s that. Nokia also has very solid rerouting options and traffic reports to help you get where you want to go faster. It’s not that Google’s traffic options are bad (they’are actually great), but Nokia HERE is one of the few that can rival it. The app is free to download on the Samsung Apps Store for select Samsung smartphones (Nokia says it’s designed for any Samsung smartphone on Jelly Bean or higher with 1GB of RAM) so be sure to check it out if you’re wondering what the hype is all about. [via Nokia] |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Phandroid To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
