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A month after spyware scandal, the BLU R1 HD returns to Amazon for $50

Alexandra Arici
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US-based cheap smartphone BLU maker came into the spotlight lately, after it was revealed that some of its smartphones housed a spyware that sent users’ private information to China.

Following the discovery, class action lawsuit firm, Rosen Legal started inviting BLU customers to file legal action against the smartphone company. BLU played the innocence card, explaining it had no idea its handsets were “infested”.

blu_r1_hd_lockscreen

But the scandal hit BLU hard and the company was forced to remove one of its most popular products, the BLU R1 HD off virtual Amazon shelves.

Since then BLU has done everything to remove the prying software from the BLU R1 HDand other devices. And now, surprise-surprise just one month after the scandal the R1 HD is once again back with Amazon selling for $50.

The phone features a 5-inch display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and runs on the power of  MediaTek 6735M quad-core processor plus 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. This is the standard version. For those who want more, there’s a 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage if you’re willing to pay $60 for the Prime Exclusive model.

blu_r1hd_back

Other specs include an 8MP/5MP camera combo, 4G LTE and a microSD card slot for memory expansion.

As you can see the phone offers a dignified set of specs, but another reason why BLU was able to sell the phone so cheap is the “Amazon Exclusive” lock screen. Basically if you buy the BLU R1 HD you should expect to see lots and lots of Amazon ads.

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Amazon does sell an add-free version, but you’ll have to pay $50 extra if you want it.

Now the question rises, will be customers able to trust BLU products again? Probably. Once one of Amazon’s most popular devices, the BLU R1 HD will probably do just fine, given that no additional spyware talk has surfaced in the last month. The super attractive price-tag will probably continue to attract lots and lots of customers.

Check out these discounts and deals on phones at AT&T

AndroidGuys
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0

Time to purchase a new smartphone? Is this an upgrade from an existing device? We want to help you out either way.

To save you money, we’ve gathered up all of the promotions we could find from AT&T. Regardless of where you’re thinking of going for service, or what phone you are looking to pick up, you owe it to yourself to check below.

What follows is a mix of phone, rate plan, and accessory promotions worth checking out. It might not be an exhaustive list, but it’s a good collection of what’s currently offered through AT&T.

Although we’ve listed known expiration dates, we have no idea how long some of these other deals will last.

samsung-galaxy-s7

AT&T Deals

Prepaid

Accessories

Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 users can now use Spotify on their smartwatch

Alexandra Arici
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Smartwatches are slowly becoming irrelevant, but companies like Samsung continue to believe in their appeal. To be fair Samsung’s last Gear S3 smartwatch sparked some interest with users still willing to give wearables a chance.

Smartwatches can deliver notifications and count daily steps, but a lot of owners like to use it to play their favorite songs, while they go out for a run in the park.

samsung-gear-s3-and-s2

Well as of this week, the popular music streaming service Spotify has landed on the Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3.

However, you should know the app doesn’t offer offline mode for Spotify Premium subscribers. Even so, you can listen over Wi-Fi or LTE and if you’re signed for a Premium account you can pick specific songs to listen too. By contrast, if you’re a free user you can only stream Playlists on shuffle mode.

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The app makes use of the rotating bezel to allow users to skip through the playlist. Once a song starts playing, smartwatch owners can press the back button in order to browse other music, while the current song is minimized at the bottom of the screen.

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In order to install Spotify on your Gear S2 or Gear S3, just bring up the Gear Manager app on your smartphone and open the Galaxy Apps Store and search for Spotify. If the app is not there it means Samsung has yet to make it available in your country.

The Gear S2 smartwatch recently received a big update which bestowed a lot of Gear S3 specific features. With Spotify on board, the two wearables now offer extended functionality.

Nokia P flagship with Snapdragon 835, 6GB of RAM, 23MP camera leaks

Alexandra Arici
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It’s a pretty well known fact that 2017 will mark Nokia’s return to the world of smartphones. HMD, the Finnish company that currently holds the right over Nokia’s logo has already unveiled the first new Nokia device – the Nokia 150 feature phone.

But HMD is also planning to lunch new Nokia smartphones in the near future. Recently we’ve told you there’s a possibility the first new Nokia handsets to make it out next year might turn out to be priced really affordably. These budget-friendly phones should make a debut during the MWC 2017 expo in Barcelona.

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However, if the rumor mill is correct, HMD also has some premium phones in the pipeline, scheduled to make an appearance sometime in 2017.

Well this week we bring you some new information about the upcoming Nokia high-end devices. According to a report coming out of Weibo (via KKJ), HMD is working on a premium Nokia smartphone dubbed the Nokia P.

leaked-nokia-phones

The flagship will apparently be powered by a new Snapdragon 835 processor and bundle 6GB of RAM and a 23MP camera with Zeiss lens. Previous rumors would have us believe, the Nokia P might come in 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch flavors and feature IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

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The phone(s) should launch with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, unless they will be unveiled towards the end of 2017, in which case they might have Android O onboard.

The current report contains a couple of images showcasing a prototype phone with a metal back, which is in league with what we previously knew.

Motorola’s announces Moto Mods hackathon winners

Alexandra Arici
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0

Motorola’s Moto Z lineup is a pretty special crop. These smartphones are known for their Moto Mods, accessories that that can be snapped onto the device via magnets and add extra functionalities.

It seems like Motorola is really counting on Mods to attract more customers towards the Moto Z family, as the company pledged to launch 12 new Mods next year. Motorola also partnered up with Indiegogo and teased a few potential upcoming Mods to give users a taste of what’s to come.

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But did you know Motorola also organizes a “hackathon”?  This is an event hosted by the company during which indie developers are invited to put together concepts for new Moto Mods.

This is exactly what happened last weekend in New York, where Motorola held its first “Mod the Future” hackathon. Out of all the experimental and concept Mods presented during the event, Motorola selected three which might eventually be turned into real products.

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The three winning concepts include an Advanced Audio Mod featuring a digital-to-analog converter for high-definition audio ports, a Sidepad which physical gaming buttons and the so-called Bella, a beauty “assistant” which uses real-time data retrieved from your skin and the environment to deliver beauty tips. The sensors inside Bella are capable of measuring UV evels, air quality and skin elasticity levels.

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Motorola showered the winners with prizes, like $5,000 in cash, a Moto Z and a Moto Mods Development Kit.

Motorola currently sells Mods capable of extending battery life, add speakers or a projector and extend the camera’s capabilities. Actually Sports Illustrated used the Moto Z and the Hassleblad mod to shoot the magazine cover for the December Issue.

hasselblad-moto

For those interested in developing for Motorola, the good news is the company is hosting another hackathon in San Francisco next month between January 21 and 22. The same prizes will be awarded this time around, also.

LeEco and Coolpad team up for Cool S1 with Snapdragon 821, 6GB of RAM

Alexandra Arici
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0

LeEco is one of those Chinese device makers that are trying to break into the US market. The company, which is known for its galloping expansion has launch a few “disruptive”  smartphones in the States, hoping to provide an affordable alternative to top phones.

Well, LeEco is also busy unveiling phones in its home country, China. This time the company did so in collaboration with Coolpad – a smaller device maker which is in charge of assembling the LeEco’s products, as well as its own.

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So LeEco and Coolpad have joined forces once again to unveil the next-gen “Cool” smartphone, the third in the lineup after the Cool1 Dual and Cool Charger 1C.

Introducing, the Cool S1 – a flagship phone featuring a metal body and a fingerprint sensor located on the back.

coolpad-cool-s1-back-view

The device arrives with a 5.5-inch display with FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and takes advantage of a Snapdragon 821 processor clocked at 2.35GHz. Customers can choose between two storage versions, either the 4GB of RAM plus 64GB of storage or the heftier 6GB of RAM plus 128GB storage.

In the photography department, the Cool S1 boasts the advanced power of 16MP main camera with PDAF (Phase detection auto focus), 4K recording and dual-LED flash. For selfies there’s an 8MP front-facing one.

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Another highlight are the two front-facing speakers with Harman’s Clari-Fi audio enhancing technology.

The Cool S1 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and who knows maybe an Android 7.0 Nougat update will come at some point. Connectivity options include 4G, dual SIM support, Bluetooth, OTG and USB Type-C.

Everything is powered by a pretty hefty 4,070 mAh battery which should ensure the phone is capable of delivering quite a decent battery life.

coolpad-cool-s1

LeEco and Coolpad are selling the Cool S1 in three configurations. The first one with 4GB of RAM + 64GB of internal storage is priced at approx. $359, the 6GB of RAM + 64GB of internal storage features a $388 price-tag, while the 6GB of RAM + 128GB of storage can be yours for $460.

For the time being the Cool S1 is available only in China and we don’t know whether the phone will launch on the global market as well.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus (Showdown)

Donovan Jeska
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This is going to be a painful one, Android Guys (hopefully just for me – I’d rather you enjoy it). In one corner, we have Samsung – money-grubbing, hardware-peddling, literally-trying-to-kill-us-with-IED-phones Samsung. In the other, we have Apple – price-hiking, non-standard-using, walled-and-locked-gardening Apple.

Now, I’m no fan of either company – if you couldn’t tell – but for the sake of comparing the baddest (read: good-est) phones from the two biggest heavyweights around, let’s see who walks away with the belt.

Build

Aluminum Body

5.54oz vs. 6.63oz

IP68 vs. IP67

I’m gonna be honest here, I did not expect Samsung to beat the iPhone’s IP rating. Apparently the Edge is very well protected against both dust and water – even to the extent that it can be submerged more than a meter underwater and suffer no ill effects. By comparison, the iPhone is only rated up to 1m. Both phones are completely and utterly dust proof, however, receiving the highest mark possible in that category. Edge comes in at more than an ounce lighter, as well as being narrower and shorter (with the same size screen), but the iPhone still manages to be thinner.

Screen

5.5” Curved AMOLED vs. 5.5” IPS LCD (3D Touch)

534PPI vs. 401PPI

Gorilla Glass vs. …iPhone Glass

In my opinion, Samsung has a pretty clear advantage here. That gorgeous AMOLED screen combined with the curved display and Edge functionality (I still think this is a gimmick, for the record) really put Apple’s LCD on blast (Fun Fact – Apple’s LCD is actually made by Samsung – so they could easily throw an AMOLED screen on an iPhone…But that might result in our first mainstream $1000 phone). Samsung’s Gorilla Glass also helps it stay shatter resistant, while Apple…well. that horse has been thoroughly beaten.

Internals

Exynos 8 (2.3GHz) vs. A10 Fusion (2.34GHz)

4GB vs. 3GB RAM

32GB vs. 256GB Internal

Micro-SD Slot vs. Non-Expandable

Samsung has exactly one advantage here – expandable memory. While the Edge only comes stock with 32GB internally, the ability to add more storage (or swap data easily) is a great benefit. Clock speed and RAM are basically a wash (remember, iPhones are notoriously RAM efficient), with iPhone having a slight edge in processing speed while Edge adds an extra gig of RAM.

Internal Features

Bluetooth 4.2

802.11AC WiFi Standard

Micro-USB vs. Lightning

Wireless Charging vs. Wired Charging

Just a couple points of note here, otherwise standard stuff. Lightning is a reversible, more efficient standard than is MicroUSB; it’s also more expensive. Edge is also wireless charging compatible, using the Qi standard. Sidenote: I can’t wait to see Bluetooth 5 show up on phones.

Battery

3600mAh vs. 2900mAh

27hrs vs. 21hrs Talk Time

Pretty straightforward – Edge’s battery is 700mAh larger, and so you get more talk time out of it. I’m surprised that it gets so much more, though – Edge’s screen is a bit more dense and it runs higher RAM, and I’d have expected it to be a bit closer – guess not. I feel it should be noted that Samsung, Google, LG and Moto have all gotten used to the idea that most people want a big battery over thin-ness, while Apple still resists putting a 3000mAh+ battery on its phones. That’s gonna need to change soon.

Camera

12mp Main Shooter

1.4 μm vs. 1.2μm

F1.7 vs F1.8/2.8

HDR Support

5mp vs. 7mp Selfie

iphone-camera
Note the dual lenses – this is gonna be a pattern in the coming days.

While the Edge has a respectable pair of cameras – complete with HDR Support on the back shooter – the iPhone simply outclasses it in every way. Its dual lenses (with aperture sizes of 1.8 and 2.8) are both stronger than the Edge’s single, and with smaller pixel size its images will be clearer even at zoom. If the Edge lags behind in any one area, it’s photography – to be fair, though, the Edge also came out more than six months earlier than did the 7 Plus.

Value

$590 vs. $919

Going into this, I fully expected to be recommending the iPhone 7 Plus over the Galaxy S7 Edge. After reviewing the facts for both, and seeing the current going prices, I’m going to have to reverse that recommendation – at nearly half the price and competitive specs in all major technical areas, the S7 Edge is a much, much better value than is the iPhone 7 Plus.

This week’s best deals on phones and accessories at Verizon

AndroidGuys
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0

Time to purchase a new smartphone? Is this an upgrade from an existing device? We want to help you out either way.

To save you money, we’ve gathered up all of the promotions we could find from Verizon. Regardless of where you’re thinking of going for service, or what phone you are looking to pick up, you owe it to yourself to check below.

What follows is a mix of phone, rate plan, and accessory promotions worth checking out. It might not be an exhaustive list, but it’s a good collection of what’s currently offered through Verizon.

Although we’ve listed known expiration dates, we have no idea how long some of these other deals will last.

Verizon Deals

Verizon Gift Guide

Prepaid

Accessories

GBoard is finally official via the Google Play Store

AndroidGuys
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0

The wait is over. GBoard is now available as an update to Google Keyboard on the Google Play Store. Google has long had a keyboard on offer for iOS devices, GBoard, which has some cool tricks and features that were embedded in the keyboard itself. Android users were curious when this keyboard would finally make its official debut on Android devices, and that day has come.

An update has been pushed to Google Keyboard app on Android devices already using it, and GBoard is now available for download from the Play Store. GBoard offers some neat embedded features, like the ability to search Google right on the keyboard, in any app, and share the results just like you would doing a search on the web. It works for searching and sharing videos and .gifs as well. GBoard features swipe-typing, emoji search and multi-language support in addition to the search function. You can even customize the theme and size of the keyboard so it fits your personal style.

Google Keyboard was already a very solid pick for Android users, and the addition of GBoard features makes it even better. GBoard saves you from swapping apps just to search or share some basic info, and the fact that it works in most any app is just icing on the cake. It takes some adjusting, but once you’re used to the new features you’ll wonder how you got on without them. If you’re looking for a new keyboard for your device, or just wanna give it a try, get it from the link below.

Download GBoard from the Google Play Store

Check out these quirky tech gift ideas for the fashion obsessed

Alexandra Arici
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Have a fashion obsessed friend or loved one in your life and you have no idea what to get them this Christmas? If you’re not really great at picking out clothes or shoes, so why not consider another strategy this year?

We’re all hooked to electronics these days, so why not find a gift that’s geeky but also boasts a fashionable component? We can help. And we’ve already zeroed in a few elegant tech gift ideas that will appeal to the inner aesthetic sense of every fashion lover.

Michael Kors Access Bradshaw Smartwatch

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In Google’s recent Magic Minute Project, model/photographer/creative director Zanita Whittington is creating a host of fashionable looks while rocking a Michael Kors Access Bradshaw smartwatch.

The wearable has recently landed in the Google Store and can be yours for $350 a pop. The watch features a stylish gold case and bracelet and it can easily pass off as a piece of jewelry. It features a circular AMOLED display with 360 x 360 resolution and a 400 mAh battery.

Kate Spade Activity Tracker

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What if your loved one is very much into fitness? Kate Spade’s new line of chic activity trackers are all you need for a perfect gift.

There’s an entire lineup of Kate Spade fashion trackers, so you will have plenty to choose from. Each wearable pairs with the Kate Spade app in order to collect and deliver all physical activity stats and sleeping data, pretty much like Fitbit does.

You can pick up one of these beauties for $98 right now!

STIL Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Fashion Cases

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For Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge owners, the STIL luxury case series is great way to bring designer fashion to their smartphones. STIL’s designers have created these accessories blending luxury fashion and industrial design.

STIL offers two lines that take a different approach. The PAVIS cases have minimalist design inspired by nature and accented by geometric motifs, while Targa models boast an avant-garde design featuring strongly defined geometry and metallic accents.

The phone cases sell for prices starting at $69.

Tinsel Dipper

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Fashion meets function with the Tinsel Dipper, which at first glance can be mistaken for a necklace. You’ll be quite surprise to know this gorgeous piece of jewelry hides a pair of earbuds.

The chevron-shaped pendant is offered in combination with stainless-steel chains that are plated in gold or gunmetal-gray finish.

The Tinsel Gunner proved quite popular with fashion lovers around the world, so if you want to acquire one you’ll need to Reserve your unit. The Tinsel website says “new units are shipping” and if you order yours by December 16 (it’s today!) you’ll be able to get it by Christmas.

Oh, the earbuds slash necklace can be yours for $199.

Ringly

ringly

Yes, wearables have been losing their momentum this year, but when it comes to fashion loving people we bet you can still pleasantly surprise them if you gift them with a wearable that can easily pass off as jewelry.

Ringly is and atypical one. You won’t wear it on your wrist like smartwatches or fitness trackers, but on your …finger.

Yes Ringly is exactly that. A stunning looing ring that can connect to your phone via Bluetooth (Android/iOS) in order to let you receive notifications via vibrations and a sublet color-coded light.

You can get Ringly in various colors with prices set at $195.

Michael Kors x Fuji Film InstaX

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We have another Michael Kors entry because, let’s face it all fashionistas love the creative power of Michael Kors. This mini camera is shaped to look like a handbag and you can easily carry it around like one, as it can be pair with a stylish Leather Camera bag.

The Fuji Film InstaX is a film camera and if you buy it you’ll the Instax Mini Film pack (10 photos) included in the bundle as well. The camera features Michael Kors’ logo and can be acquired for $150 a pop. If you want the camera bag you’ll need to pay an additional $198 or $348 if you want the medium version.

Sofia Cashmere Basketweave Trim Tech Gloves

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Is your loved one always texting? Then this winter a pair of tech gloves which will allow him/her to text while still keeping warm, sounds like a very good gift idea.

The gloves are made of soft cashmere to create a comfortable but luxurious feel. Sofia Cashmere works with long fibers that resist pilling, which results in a long product life. The gloves can be yours for $89.

BeoPlay S3 by Bang & Olufsen

beoplay-s3-by-bang-olufsen

If the person you’re buying the gift for has also a passion for music, this beautiful Bluetooth speaker is what you need. Its clean design makes it perfect for any interior and the fact that it embeds Bang & Olufsen technology makes it even better.

Detailed oriented people will be happy to know that you can change the speaker covers easily and make the S3 match your style and personality.

Get one for $119 a pop.

Mezzi Mini Cosmia

mezzi-mini-cosmia

The Mini Cosmia might look like your average hand bag, but we assure you it’s not. The Suede & Adria leather bag hides a few secrets. The purse comes with an in-bag light and embeds a 4,000 mAh phone and tablet charger and a Bluetooth speaker. The bag can also deliver call and messages notifications. It’s available in a multitude of colors for $325 a pop.

Kate Spade Selfie Button

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People into fashion love snapping pictures of themselves showing off their new outfits. So the Kate Spade selfie button is a must have.

The selfie button allows users to frame their shot from a distance and take the best pictures possible. It also doubles as a key chain and you can grab it for $21.

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