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Samsung to disable the Galaxy Note7 in the US for good, starting Dec 19

Alexandra Arici
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The Galaxy Note7 recall started a few months ago, but to this day there are plenty of Galaxy Note7 users out there who refuse to turn the phablet over to Samsung.

But the Korean tech giant is having none of it. In recent weeks, the company has pulled out the big guns working with carriers in New Zealand, Canada and Australia to blacklist the phablet from the countries’ networks.

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In the US, Samsung has issued an update which limits phones from charging more than 60%. But according to a report coming out of The Verge things are going to take a turn for the worse.

It appears an US Cellular customer received a message alerting him that starting December 15, Samsung will modify the software (via software update??) to prevent the Galaxy Note7 from charging. At all. So the phone will no longer work. Not even as a camera.

By preventing the phone from charging, Samsung is putting the last nail in the Galaxy Note7’s coffin. We’re not told whether the update will be forced or not, leaving room to speculate that some users might refuse to install the update.

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Samsung previously stated 85% of the Note7s sold in the US have been recovered, but the company obviously wants to wipe the slate clean before the Galaxy S8 arrives.

The Korean tech giant has been trying to lure customers to return the potentially dangerous device by offering refunds or to exchange the device with a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

Samsung has announced new color versions of the Galaxy S7 edge including the Note7-reminscent Coral Blue, in a bit to make its older flagships more attractive to Note7 refugees.

However, a lot of Note7 users would prefer to hold on to the device, until the Galaxy S8 makes a debut in the wild. But Samsung is not asking them nicely to return the device anymore.

[Update]: Samsung has confirmed this will indeed the case. Starting December 19, the Korean tech giant will push a software update with the purpose of rendering the Galaxy Note7 obsolete as a mobile device. Samsung says it is working closely with carrier partners to notify remaining Note7 users. The company also revealed 93% of Note7s in the US have been returned.

ZTE opens Nougat preview program for Axon 7 users in US

Alexandra Arici
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Here at AndroidGuys we like ZTE phones quite a lot, especially the Axon 7 and its spin offs. The original Axon 7 was launched on the US market in June 2016 with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box.

It’s been a few months since Android 7.0 Nougat was announced and OEMs have started rolling out the new build for their premium devices. Now ZTE announces it will soon offer Axon 7 owners in the US a taste of Android 7.0 Nougat.

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The Chinese company has announced a Nougat preview program for users of its Axon 7 smartphone in the US. But only phones carrying model number A2017U will be able to participate in the program.

To be part of the program, you will need to create an account with the ZTE US Community. Then you will need to fill in the registration application.

ZTE hasn’t said anything about when exactly it plans to roll out the update for everyone, but we’ll probably know more soon.

axon zte

The ZTE Axon 7 is a worthy phone that offers the services of a 5.5-inch display with 1,440 x  2,560 pixel resolution. It features a Snapdragon 820 under the hood which works with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

The phone carries a 20MP main camera plus an 8MP selfie one. And now the device is bound to get even better with the Android 7.0 Nougat update incoming.

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ZTE recently unveiled a limited-edition Axon 7 which comes equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Despite its impressive spec sheet, this Axon 7 version might have to wait before it gets upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat.

 

Michael Kors’ new Android Wear watch pops in the Google Store

Alexandra Arici
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Google just launched the Magic Minute Project, an initiative meant to clean some of the dust off Android Wear.

Well following the announcement, a new Android Wear smartwatch has popped in the Google Store, replacing the luxurious Huawei Watch.

The newcomer is called the Michael Kors Access Bradshaw and can be purchased for relatively steep price of $350.

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Michael Kors is a pretty well-known fashion house which offers clothing items and accessories. The company isn’t a stranger to the world of smartwatches, as the Access Bradshaw is the second intelligent timepiece to be unveiled. The first one was called Access Dylan. Quite an unusual naming scheme to say the least.

Anyway, the new Access Bradshaw is a smartwatch with a circular display that features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display carrying 360 x 360 resolution. The wearable features a Snapdragon 2100 chipset under the hood which works in concert with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

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Access Bradshaw takes advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity and a 400 mAh battery. Michael Kors ships the device alongside a magnetic wireless charger and extra buckle.

Unlike the Access Dylan, which was a sportier affair coming with a rubber strap, the Access Bradshaw is a more stylish affair offering a classic bezel and stainless steel construction.

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The elegance of the Access Bradshaw might peruse customers to spend $350 on it. Samsung asks for the same amount of cash for its current Gear S3 wearable in either Classic or Frontier versions. However, the Gear S3 sits on the active side, while the new Michael Kors can be easily be turned into a fashion accessory.

Google reminds users Android Wear is fun with the Magic Minute Project

Alexandra Arici
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Android Wear was released by Google in 2014, as a platform meant to foster the development of wearables. Two years later we’re still waiting for smartwatches and fitness trackers to really take off.

Sure the Moto 360 managed to spike some interest, but it’s been a while since Motorola released anything new and exciting. By the look of things, Motorola is going to take a step back from the wearable market and concentrate on making phones and Mod accessories instead.

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Well, Google is trying to keep Android Wear present in users’ awareness, especially since it’s the holiday season and all,  so this week the search giant has unleashed the new Magic Minute Project upon us.

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For this initiative, Google has teamed up with 30 creative makers and doers to create a series of one-minute videos that showcase “what time means to each of us”. Google asks: What can you do in one minute?

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For example, music and video producer Andrew Huang can perform a 300-word rap in under a minute, while using is Android Wear watch to time it all. Kiteboarder ad Word Champion Bruna Kajiya shows us some kiteboarding tricks, while model and creative diector Zanita Whittington completes her look by personalizing her Android Wear wearable with a chic watch face.

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The watches included in Magic Minute Project are the ASUS ZenWatch 3, Moto 360 Sport, second-gen Moto 360, Huawei Watch, Fossil Q Wander and Fossil Q Marshal.

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If you think you could pull off a Magic Minute challenge, you’ll be glad to know the Project is open to everyone with a good idea. So you can go ahead and submit you’re creative idea. If Google likes it, it might end up being featured on the project’s website.

Now if you still haven’t purchased an Android Wear smartwatch, Google reminds you it has plenty for sale in the Google Store.

Two Mountains One Goat: Some quick, bleating fun (Review)

AndroidGuys
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Flappy Bird paved the way for one-tap control games. It’s simplistic, fast paced gameplay kept people coming back for more with goals that were obtainable yet difficult enough to that you had to keep trying before you could succeed. Taking it’s cues from Flappy Bird, Two Mountains One Goat is a game with a very similar style, but will it’s tweaked gameplay hold it’s own? Let’s take a look.

Gameplay

Two Mountains jumpGetting started with the game is quick an easy. Connect to Google Play Games if you want Achievements and Leaderboard functionality, then hit the big start button. Your goat starts off at the bottom of screen with two mountain walls going up both sides of the screen. When you tap, your goat jumps from the right wall to the left or vice versa, gaining altitude with each leap. Your first few jumps are pretty straight forward. Then the birds start.

Oh, the birds. These birds have it in for your poor goat. Some hover in the middle of the screen and might trip you up if you’re not focused, but can usually be avoided. Some move slowly back and forth and again can be pretty easily maneuvered around. Then there are some that move so quick it seems nearly impossible to make it past.

It’s at this point that these games get fun if you’re up for the challenge. There’s no greater feeling than when you successfully time it and make it past that one bird that moves at lightning speed… but that high is quickly squashed when the next bird is equally as fast and you jump right into it. It’s that small victory of making it past your nemesis bird that drives you to hit play again and try to beat you score because that fourth bird isn’t going to stand in your way again!

Graphics

I swear Bird #4 has it out for me.

Similar to games like Flappy Bird, Two Mountains has a retro, pixel look to it which doesn’t get old as you watch your cute little goat leap from wall to wall or plummet to his death for the hundredth time. The beautiful mountain scenery helps make this game even prettier. Animations are smooth and beautifully simplistic.

Longevity

The game is a lot fun. If you’re someone who’s driven by trying to beat your best score, then you may love this game for a long time. Likewise, if you can get a group of friends to download it, then competing with them on the leaderboard may provide some fun too. Just on its own, however, once you’ve played about 10 rounds, it does start to get stale. There is only one game mode and nothing to unlock apart from achievement. I find myself opening it up to tap a few quick rounds while waiting around at the bus stop or if I’m in a long line at a store, so it’s a great time waster, but it lacks depth beyond this.

Conclusion

Two Mountains One Goat is a pretty solid game, with its cute pixel graphics, easy one-tap controls, and fast gameplay. It’s best played in short burst or if you have a few buddies who you can compete against on the leaderboards. If you’re someone who likes to play a game for a minute or two just to pass time throughout your day and you like games that will challenge your muscle memory like Flappy Bird, then Two Mountains One Goat is for you.

UMi Z leak confirms Helio X27 CPU, reveals first look at new flagship

AndroidGuys
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As some of you might recall, we recently discovered that Mediatek was launching a new flagship SoC for its Helio X20 series, the Helio X27. This new deca-Core processor takes over the X25 as the currently highest-end SoC in the X20 Series, and it’s aimed for high end smartphones.

At the time, there was a rumor floating about that the rising Chinese company UMi may  have had secured a deal for the usage of this processor, It was, however, able to secure the Helio P20 for its Plus E, the first ever P20 smartphone to hit the market.

Today we can confirm that those rumors are indeed true as an insider of the company just leaked some pictures of the upcoming UMi Z, confirming also the most awaited detail: it will really feature the impressive Helio X27.

From what we know, Mediatek has a deal in place with both LeEco and UMI for the usage of this brand new chipset: LeEco got the green light to use it before the others inside the Chinese market, thanks to the success of their previous Mediatek models on the domestic market. In the meanwhile UMi has been appointed as the first company to use it for foreign markets thanks to the huge success of their last streak of products (UMi Super, UMi Max, UMi Plus and UMi Plus E presale) abroad.

Official press release date expected on Dec.12th

Our leaker also told us that all the specifications will be unveiled on the 12th of December, so we will know more within a week.

What do you think about this new upcoming product? After the appreciated Helio X25, we are really excited to see this new chipset in action!

 

Daydream View VR gets new apps from HBO, Netflix, LEGO, EA, and more

AndroidGuys
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Today is a big day in the word of virtual reality, at least as it pertains to Google’s Daydream View VR. Indeed, there are are more than a half dozen titles being introduced today, coming from names such as HBO, Netflix, LEGO, EA, and more.

A mixture of paid and free selections, it’s also a blend of streaming content and games. Moreover, two of them aren’t quite here yet and will debut later this month.

In addition to the new apps, Dadyream View VR is also getting new color options. Now, you can also find it in limited edition Crimson and Snow Daydream versions in the United States.

Don’t forget, it’s not just the Pixel and Pixel XL which are certified for the Daydream View VR now; last month, the Moto Z and Moto Z Force joined party. If you have either of those phones, or are considering them, you can pair it up with the Daydream View VR!

New titles

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LEGO BrickHeadz Builder VR: Design your own LEGO BrickHeadz characters and bring them to life. Unlock new characters and items with special combinations, and enjoy free play with virtual LEGO bricks.

Wands: Take on the role as a mysterious Wielder in an alternate 1880’s London. Equip your wand with a wide variety of spells and battle other Wielders for fame, power and glory.

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HBO NOW and HBO GO: Enjoy every episode of every season of original series such as Game of Thrones and Westworld, plus iconic favorites such as The Sopranos and The Wire on a virtual big screen with your HBO subscription.

NextVR: Be courtside, behind the goal or center stage. From NBA and NFL games and the US Open, to the Daytona 500 and Live Nation concerts, experience your favorite events live or revisit them through highlights.

underworld

Underworld Overlord: Be the bad guy and defend your dungeon realm from an onslaught of so-called “heroes” who attempt to rob your treasures and slay your precious monsters. Direct your monsters into the fray, place deadly traps and defenses, and cast spells that help or hinder.

Gunjack 2: End of Shift: Immerse yourself in an epic sci-fi space shooter set in a cinematic VR world. As a turret operator charged with destroying waves of attackers, you stand united with your crew mates in the defense of the rig.

Layers of Fear: Solitude: Delve deep into the mind of an insane painter by exploring his Victorian-era mansion where visions, fears, and horror awaits.

Coming This Month

Netflix: Experience thousands of TV episodes and movies—including award-winning Netflix original series, movies, and documentaries—anytime, anywhere with your Netflix subscription.

Need for Speed No Limits VR: The first Need for Speed title in virtual reality, feel the ultimate thrill as you strap into the driver’s seat and launch yourself into an unparalleled, visceral ride. Choose your car, choose your track, and enter a new realm of white-knuckle racing reality.

Stretch your Netflix subscription by downloading videos to your mobile device [How-To]

AndroidGuys
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Netflix has recently announced that they are going to offer users the ability to download videos for offline viewing. In light of this amazing new feature the video streaming company has blessed us with, we are here to show you how to download and play your next binge session, offline.

Prerequisites:

There are a few things you must do before you can take your videos to go.

  1. You must have a Netflix account ($7.99 per month subscription)
  2. You must have the Netflix app installed on your mobile device

How-To:

There are two parts to this that we are going to cover; how to download and how to play the videos respectively.

Download:

  1. Launch the Netflix app
  2. Tap on the show you would like to download for offline use
  3. Tap on the Download button to begin the process
    1. If this is a movie, you will see the icon below the movie description
    2. If it is a TV show, you will see the download icon next to each episode
  4. To check the status of your downloads, tap the hamburger menu on the home screen
  5. Tap “My Downloads” and you will see all your downloaded videos and their progress

Play:

  1. Launch the Netflix app
  2. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left hand corner
  3. Tap “My Downloads” (you could alternatively navigate to the video through standard means)
  4. Tap on the blue phone icon
  5. Tap the play option

Keep in mind that not all videos on Netflix are available for download.

Do you think this feature is useful? Let us know how you like this feature in the comments below.

Pokémon/Starbucks partnership turns over 7,800 coffee shops into PokéStops

Alexandra Arici
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Love to play Pokémon GO and you’re also a big fan of Starbucks’ yummy coffee? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that the Pokémon Company and the hot beverage giant are teaming up to transform over 7,800 coffee shops across US into PokéStops and Gyms.

Winter is coming so the Pokémon Company and Niantic are worried players won’t be so keen to go for long walks outside in the hopes of catching a Pokémon anymore. So they have come up with an ingenious solution.

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To honor the partnership, Starbucks has created a new Pokémon Go Frapuccino drink, both in game and in real life, so customers can treat themselves with a thematic hot beverage while they play.

Nantic CEO John Hanke explains in the official statement they choose Starbucks to encourage exploration, exercise and real world social interaction and the coffee shop giant’s footprint throughout the country provide a great platform to do so. It sounds good, but we don’t know how much exercising you can get done in a Starbucks coffeshop.

Starbucks

Starbucks coffee shops are scheduled to magically transform themselves into PokéStops on December 8 at 11 am PT / 2pm ET, so if you have one on your route you might as well go check it out.

Recently the Pokémon Company announced a partnership with Sprint, making the carrier the exclusive US wireless partner of the popular game maker.

Bluetooth 5 more than doubles 4.2’s performance

Donovan Jeska
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As of yesterday (December 7th, 2016), Bluetooth 5 (not 5.0, mind you) is officially available to hardware developers. Bluetooth is one of those transformative technologies that enables us to use things like smartwatches and wireless headphones quickly and (usually) easily. According to Mark Powell of Bluetooth SIG:

“Bluetooth is revolutionizing how people experience the IoT [Dono’s Note: “Internet of Things”]. Bluetooth 5 continues to drive this revolution by delivering reliable IoT connections and mobilizing the adoption of beacons, which in turn will decrease connection barriers and enable a seamless IoT experience…With the launch of Bluetooth 5, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of IoT developers and consumers while staying true to what Bluetooth is at its core: the global wireless standard for simple, secure, connectivity.”

What’s new in Bluetooth 5? According to Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), 5 has twice the transfer speed (2Mbps), four times the range (200m), and eight times the payload capacity (255 bytes) when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. these improvements have the capability of changing the way we fundamentally use Bluetooth.

As the transfer capacity and range continue to increase, the utility of Bluetooth expands. This is going to be very important in the coming years, as the Internet of Things (home automation, wireless enabled appliances, and the like) becomes more popular.

A caveat, though; all of these statistics are purely theoretical and tested in a laboratory setting. So real-world numbers will be less and your personal mileage may vary. We should start seeing devices with Bluetooth 5 on-board in two-to-six months. 

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