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When and where to buy: Motorola Moto G4

AndroidGuys
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4

The fourth generation of Motorola’s affordable and moderately built mid-range smartphone line, the Moto G4 provides users with a 5.5-inch display at full HD 1080p resolution.

Powered by an octa-core processor with 2GB RAM, the Motorola phone comes in two storage capacities: 16GB and 32GB. Both, though, include a microSD expansion card slot for up to 128GB additional space.

The Moto G4 features a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a front-facing 5-megapixel selfie snapper. Additionally, the phone includes a 3,000 mAh battery with TurboPower charging capability and a water-repellent coating.

The G4 is available in black and white base colors; however, customers can create a customized version of the phone through Motorola’s Moto Maker online tool. Generally speaking, this phone is offered unlocked and not often paired with a specific service provider. In a related note, the handset is compatible with all major carriers, both GSM and CDMA

Read our review of the Motorola Moto G 4

[vc_custom_heading text=”Where to Buy” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23d70060″ google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”]
[vc_cta h2=”Motorola” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-g||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-g||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]Customers can purchase the phone in Black and White options; the Moto Maker tool allows for custom-built versions of the phone. Prices start at $200 for the 16GB model with the 32GB version running an extra $30.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Amazon” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2eDNwJO||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2eDNwJO||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]There are two options available to customers, the 16GB version for $200, and the 32GB version for $230. As an incentive to join its Amazon Prime service, Amazon offers a $50 discount if you agree to lock screen ads and occasional notifications. In essence, the prices become $150 and $170, respectively.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”B&H Photo Video” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1251437-REG%2Fmotorola_00969nartl_moto_g4_xt1625_4th.html%2FBI%2F20229%2FKBID%2F14505||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1251437-REG%2Fmotorola_00969nartl_moto_g4_xt1625_4th.html%2FBI%2F20229%2FKBID%2F14505||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]Customers can purchase the phone in Black and White options; storage capacities shake out to 16GB for $200, 32GB for $230.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Best Buy” h2_font_container=”color:%23444444″ h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsearchpage.jsp%3Fst%3Dmoto%2Bg4%26_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26id%3Dpcat17071%26type%3Dpage%26sc%3DGlobal%26cp%3D1%26nrp%3D%26sp%3D%26qp%3D%26list%3Dn%26af%3Dtrue%26iht%3Dy%26usc%3DAll%2BCategories%26ks%3D960%26keys%3Dkeys||target:%20_blank” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsearchpage.jsp%3Fst%3Dmoto%2Bg4%26_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26id%3Dpcat17071%26type%3Dpage%26sc%3DGlobal%26cp%3D1%26nrp%3D%26sp%3D%26qp%3D%26list%3Dn%26af%3Dtrue%26iht%3Dy%26usc%3DAll%2BCategories%26ks%3D960%26keys%3Dkeys||target:%20_blank” btn_add_icon=”true”]Best Buy offers the phone in both black and white colors with 16GB and 32GB iterations. Pricing at launch is $200 and $230, respectively.[/vc_cta]

Daydream View VR review

Scott Webster
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0

The Daydream View VR is Google’s latest foray into the world of wearable virtual reality devices. Falling somewhere between its $35 Google Cardboard and the more pricey Oculus or Vive, the Daydream’s closest competitor might be the Samsung VR.

Introduced on October 4 alongside the Pixel and Pixel XL, the Daydream View VR (now available) promises a more immerse take on virtual reality. There are rather steep hardware requirements for phone makers looking to get their handsets certified for the platform. Google expects high-resolution screens, strong processors, and a host of sensors in phones if they hope to get the Daydream-ready classification. As such, it will likely be limited to flagship phones in the first year or so.

As of today, only the Pixel and Pixel XL are considered certified for the Daydream View VR platform. We’ve had a Pixel XL for a few weeks now and spent the better part of the last week with a Daydream View VR. Google has provided us with demo units of both devices.

While this is considered a review of the experience, it’s obviously not going to be fully fleshed out just yet. For starters, we can only review what’s currently available; there’s no way to give a reaction to a promise. There’s plenty of potential ahead for the platform, but as of today, not all of the apps and games are ready to roll. We can only speak to what we spent time with.

Design

Taking the Daydream View VR out of the box we find a neatly packed headset with little wasted space. The various components are tucked in nicely but are easy to pull out. As someone who is often quick to skip over instructions and jump right in, the Daydream View VR was right up my alley. There’s nothing here that signals you need to walk slowly into getting set up.

The unit we received from Google is the Slate color, which comes across as a heather print you might find in a t-shirt. Soft to the touch, the Daydream View VR is rather lightweight. The overall aesthetics are inviting.

daydream_closed

In putting the Daydream View VR on, the strap on the back lets wearers slide to adjust tightness. There’s plenty of space for your nose, perhaps a smidge more than what may be necessary. Along those lines, there’s also enough room inside to wear eyeglasses with the headset. This isn’t necessarily a blanket statement, but you should be able to get it on over top most glasses.

The bungee cord strap for holding your phone in place is strong and secure; it doesn’t feel like it’s going to break or get tired anytime soon. Moreover, there’s a strap tucked inside for where you place the remote control. It’s more forgiving and loose but, it too, feels built for the long haul.

daydream_eyes

The remote control that comes with the Daydream VR is small and pocketable and runs about the length of your thumb to the base of your palm. It’s comfortable to hold and has a design that makes sense. Even when your vision is obstructed by the headset you can tell which button does what and where it’s located.

Usage

Getting started with the Daydream View VR is pretty straightforward. As this was an early look at the experience, we logged into a specific account that ultimately pushed the Daydream VR app to our phone.

Placing the phone into the Daydream View VR is about as easy as it gets. Simply put on the foldout plank and line the center of the screen up with the black rubber nubs. Fold it up and secure it with the bungee strap.

Opening the Daydream app for the first time, users are given a walk through that is easy to understand. It’s here where you learn how to center orientation, get the feel for the remote, and see where things are headed.

daydream_front-angle

It’s a fun virtual environment that’s relaxing and moves at your own pace. We appreciate being spoon-fed at times but we also like to jump ahead at others. This allows for both. Should you need a refresher, or wish to hand the Daydream View VR off to another user, the tutorial is readily available.

One demo we were particularly fond of in the initial usage was looking around a forest at night time. The remote control operated as a flashlight; we were tasked with searching the area for wildlife. There’s something really cool and immersive about being there and having an instrument in your hand that made sense.

Immediately we pictured cooking apps, golf, and other titles that take advantage of the remote. Whereas we were so-so on the idea of the Harry Potter (Fantastic Beasts) game at the Daydream View VR’s unveiling, we now cannot wait to cast spells and use the remote as a magic wand.

daydream_vr_side

The main interface of the Daydream app lets wearers look around in a 360 degree space, with titles floating out in front of them. It’s here where you can launch into other apps and games or download others. The Google Play Store is a vetted selection of titles that only work with the headset. You won’t be able to install something here that doesn’t take advantage of the technology.

General Impressions

Wearing the Daydream View VR is as comfortable as we might have hoped, even for more than just a few minutes. Nearly everything we looked at or played was immerse and felt more real than what we’ve experienced in Google Cardboard. Given that we didn’t have to use our hands to hold the unit, we felt like we were actually in the various environments – even the cartoon-like ones, too.

We noticed on multiple occasions that the Pixel XL we were using would get hot to the touch. Not just warm, but actually hot. In fact, there was one instance where the Daydream app prompted us to let it cool down. How long had we been using the Daydream View VR? Roughly 20-30 minutes one time and 30-40 the other.

daydream_straps

Whenever the phone would get this hot we simply opened it up and took the device out to cool down on its own. We also took the opportunity to charge the remote control up via its USB Type-C plug.

We know that Google expects to do some big things with Daydream View VR, some of which could find users wearing it for much longer periods of time. Watching a full-length movie at this stage seems out of the question. We’re not certain whether it’s related to the content we were using, or if it’s a software update waiting in the wings, but it’s hard to imaging going 90 minutes or longer with this on.

With that said, we simply loved playing games for 10-15 minutes at a time. The same for Google Maps Street View and the occasional trip to a museum. Thanks to the high-resolution (2560 x 1400 pixels) of the Pixel XL, the pictures were sharp. We had to manually ask ourselves to look for the tiny dots that make up each pixel and even that was a challenge at times.

daydream_remote

Hands and Eyes on Games and Apps

We played with the default apps and games that came with the Daydream View VR experience. Moreover, we were provided with credits ($25) to install additional titles. Thus far we have used less than $10 of it to install two apps: StarChart VR and Mekorama VR.

daydream_google_play

StarChart VR former takes you into space where you can look at all of the planets, major stars, constellations, and more. It’s really breathtaking stuff that is also educational. We learned more in a few minutes with some of the planets than we remembered from school. Also, there’s something really cool about looking at the sky and seeing what the actual constellations are and how they are comprised.

starchart_vr

Mekorama VR is a very friendly puzzle game that tasks players with navigating a robot to a particular destination. It’s possible to click and drag the floating environment to all sides and additional angles. If you’ve played Monument Valley, then you know what you’re in for with this one. You’ll get through the first levels in no time at all. And, while it’s somewhat flat and minimal in graphics, the Daydream experience makes for an experience that feels like you’re actually there.

mekorama_vr

Wonderglade is a fun game that takes players into a virtual world that’s full of mini-games. It reminded us of what you might get out of the Nintendo Wii and using the remote. Graphics were more rich here, though, and things felt more real, thanks to the 360 degree views. Players get to tilt, spray, putt miniature golf, and other things with easy-to-learn mechanics. Is it childish? It certainly appeals to younger ages but that doesn’t mean adults won’t be impressed.

Suffice it to say, we enjoyed the other, non-paid apps, too. Pulling up Google Maps Street View is brand new when you’re to walk down any road and look at neighborhoods. It’s a breeze to put yourself in front of a major landmark and see what it’s like.

YouTube VR was a mixed bag of results but only because it relies on the source for video. Some clips work better than others but, generally speaking, we are excited to see content unfold over time. With that said, some of the stuff that’s trending today was not quite as immerse or clear as we would have liked.

Conclusion

The games and content we’ve played with so far are quality and we’re optimistic that Google takes a tighter, vetted approach to apps. If it has certain expectations on hardware partners, we hope it does for developers, too. The last thing VR needs is a bunch of junk that gets out before the quality stuff and spoils the experience.

We’re concerned about the fact that the phone does get hot after only 30-40 minutes. In looking around, we found we’re not the only one who experienced this. Let’s hope that Google is able to identify the root causes and can fix it. We’d love to watch a full length film on a plane ride, especially if it feels like there’s a massive screen floating in front of us.

daydream_vr_pixel_xl

The Daydream View VR is not all that much more expensive than a Cardboard unit. We’re not saying to skip over a Cardboard and go straight for this, but, should the right circumstances present itself, we recommend doing so. The hands-free aspect is good; the remote control functionality makes it great.

For only $80 we think the Daydream View VR is a no-brainer. If you already have a Pixel or Pixel XL, you’ll definitely want to get one of these. The apps and games available at launch are fun; the future is wide open for developers to leverage the tech. And, thanks to affordable cameras capable of capturing 360 degree pictures and video, that content will grow at a rapid pace. Watching someone else’s vacation videos might not suck when viewed through a Daydream View VR.

Availability

Google defends itself against unfair Android business practices accusations

Alexandra Arici
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0

Another day, another chapter in Google’s never-ending feud with the European Commission. Back in April, competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager sent the search giant a Statement of Objections. In it the Commission accuses Google of unfairly using Android to serve its own smartphone market domination purposes.  Today Google issued a formal reply to allegations and naturally, the search giant doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

The Commission says that Google isn’t inclined to foster competition within the mobile niche, but Google begs to differ.

The multinational sees competition everywhere. Android fiercely competes with Apple every day and the Commission’s failure to acknowledge this basic fact of life is quite vexing for Google.

Google is also being accused of forcing Android OEMs to pre-install apps like YouTube, Google Maps or Chrome on their devices. But Google asks “Have you looked around?” According to the tech giant 39 out of 47 pre-loaded apps on Windows 10 phones are Microsoft’s. But only a third of pre-loaded apps on the Samsung Galaxy S7 are curated by Google.

google-pre-installed-appsThe Commission is more worried about how Google handles the distribution of its Play Store – a portal to the Android app world. Since most devices that don’t come with the Play Store onboard are shunned by most users, Google gets to impose some terms on the companies looking to get the app on their devices.

That’s how most Android devices selling today come with Google Play services pre-installed. But Google isn’t forcing technically forcing manufacturers to do so.

Google also points out that some applications like Snapchat, Spotify and Dropbox have enjoyed a lot of popularity on Android, thus demonstrating it does support competition on its mobile platform.

popular-non-google-appsAnother issued tackled by Google in its response to the Commission is fragmentation. The conglomerate argues that because any phone manufacturer can download Android and modify it to create its own custom version, the mobile OS is vulnerable to fragmentation.

android-compatiblityBut Google strives to ensure a consistent version of the operating system will always be available to developers. To achieve this end, the company works hand in hand with OEMs in order to establish a minimum level of compatibility among Android devices, so developers can create apps that run seamlessly on any Android phone or tablet.

If found guilty of the charges, Google could end up paying a fine of up to 10% percent of its global revenue which would amount to about $7,4 billion. Aouch!

HomeAway & Owners Direct (review)

AndroidGuys
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0

Overview

HomeAway & Owners Direct app provides you with everything you need to plan, book and manage your perfect holiday rental.

Impressions

The HomeAway & Owners Direct app for Android has only been available for a year or so, but it is now well established and has surpassed many leading accommodation apps on the market, offering better accommodation than many of them. The app is also free to download for iOS so even if you don’t end up booking on it, you’ve wasted no money.

homeawayYou are able to search various destinations around the world, with the search bar being the main home screen. Once you’ve typed in your destination, the app comes up with however many results there is, you tap in your preferred dates and narrow the results down with; price per night, number of guests, number of bedrooms and number of bathrooms.

Then you are presented with a list of all of the accommodation fitting your criteria. One of the most pleasing things about the search, is that it the results are complete with price per night and their star rating, so you are able to simple scroll past them if they don’t interest you. Upon clicking on a result, it gives you more information, such as facilities; TV, WiFi, kitchen etc, its location on a map and reviews from previous customers.

The convenience of the app is also pleasing, as your search is remembered for next time, so you don’t need to trawl through all of the results again. You are also able to share your favored results via number of options, including message, mail, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, if your fellow holiday-goers wish to see.

There is also a favorite option, which stores all of your favorite rentals, the practicality of the app again coming up trumps.

The managers of the rentals are also on the app, as well as how long they have been a member, the languages they speak, their response rate and the last time they updated their calendar, so you are able to see their reliability.

You can inquire about a rental without actual booking through the message feature. The app is one of the easiest on the market when it comes to making an account, and in short, is a fast and simple process.

The option to be able to message an owner is a great addition and whilst other features on the app are easy to use, the message between renters and owners is somewhat clumsy and it can be difficult to pick up a conversation, however, that’s the only criticism of the app.

Once your trip is booked, the app stores all of your details, so if you happen to need them for any reason or wish to check something, you can simply open the app and tap My Trips.

Conclusion

HomeAway & Owners Direct is definitely better than its rival apps, with its ease of use, convenient features and plethora of results proving very impressive.

The detail in the search results helps potential renters find exactly what they’re looking for without looking for hours. The only criticism of the app is the gawkiness of the messaging option but with a little patience, it’s easy to put up with.

Best Buy posts its Black Friday 2016 ad revealing Galaxy S7 deal and more

Alexandra Arici
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0

Black Friday is fast approaching and big retailers are getting ready to wow customers with their awesome deals and promo packs. Today Best Buy has lifted the veil of mystery by publishing its Black Friday ad ahead of November 25.

Customers have a chance to review the deals proposed by Best Buy before the shopping holiday begins in full force. One of the most tantalizing deals is related the Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge. Customers willing to buy one of the phones under Verizon, AT&T or Sprint will receive a $250 Best Buy gift card and a free Samsung Gear VR.

Speaking of which T-Mobile will be offering a Galaxy S7 promo this weekend too.

bestbuy-blackfriday-dealsOther promotions that might be of interest include:

  • $250 Best Buy gift card with the purchase of an iPhone 7
  • $30 off on the Amazon Fire HD8 tablet, now $59.99
  • $60 off on the Bose Sound Sport In-Ear Headphones, now $39.99
  • $80 off on the Garmin Vivosmart HR Activity Tracker, now $69.99
  • $60 off on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A, now $89.99
  • $40 off on the AT&T GoPhone – Alcatel Ideal 4G, now $9.99
  • $100 off the unlocked Alcatel POP 4 Plus 4G LTE, now $149.99

more-bestbuy-dealsCheck out the rest of the deals on the Best Buy website. It’s worth mentioning that Black Friday at Best Buy lasts between November 24 and November 26, so you have plenty of time to do all the shopping you want.

Don’t forget to keep checking back with us, as we bring you the latest Black Friday-related news!

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Edge model numbers leaked and they are quite unusual

Alexandra Arici
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0

Samsung all but confirmed the next-gen Galaxy Note phablet, when it announced ex-Galaxy Note7 would be able to get next year’s premium devices at half the price. Now a Tweet by serial leakster @evleaks reveals the phablet is already in the works.

Following the demise of the Galaxy Note7 there were some concerns that Samsung might be considering axing off the Note brand, but as it turns out this won’t be the case after all.

new-galaxy-s8-concept@evleaks reveals that model SM-N950 is currently in the works, which is obviously a phone from the Note series. But given this year’s Galaxy Note-related scandal, Samsung might end up re-branding the new phone to give it a clean shot at success.

But Samsung is also working on the Galaxy S7 successor, the Galaxy S8 and here’s an interesting piece of info for you. The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge arrived with model numbers SM-G920 and G925, then the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge came boasting model numbers SM-G930 and SM-G935.

Naturally everyone was expecting the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Edge to bear model numbers SM-G940 and SM-G945. Well now it seems this won’t be the case and the two phones will go directly to SM-G950 and SM-G955.

the-dearly-departed-note7Where did the SM-G940 and SM-G945 go you might wonder? Well we can’t know for sure but we have two theories. In South Korea there’s great deal of superstition surrounding the number 4. Floor number 4 is always skipped in hospitals and other public buildings and given the amount of bad luck floating over Samsung this year, the Korean tech giant might be playing it safe.

The second theory has to do with a recent rumor related to the Galaxy S8. It seems like next year Samsung plans to make its flagship phones bigger in size and the skipping the 94* numbers could be considered an indication this will indeed be the case. According to word on the street the two Galaxy S8 phones might boast a 5.7-inch and 6.2-inch displays respectively.

At this point is all speculation, but as the months go by we’ll be able to tell you more, so keep checking back with us.

Android 7.0 Nougat beta program for Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge now live in the US

Alexandra Arici
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0

Remember that a few days ago we told you that Samsung was getting ready to launch the Galaxy Beta Program in the UK on November 9? Well it seems the program has been extended to include users from the US and Korea as well.

Samsung tells us that Chinese Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge owners who want to try out Android 7.0 Nougat will also be able to participate soon.

android-7-0-nougat-for-samsung-galaxy-s7Applicants are currently being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of users who will be admitted into the Samsung beta program is limited, so hurry up and try to sign-up.

You will have to follow a few steps in order to register for the program.

  • Open the Galaxy App store on your eligible device
  • Search for the Samsung Beta Program app (or Samsung Members app) and install it on your phone
  • Open the app and go through the steps to register
  • Once you are done, wait and see if the update is delivered to you

Note that in order to be eligible to join in the UK, users will need an unlocked Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge. However, in the US phone owners will have to be on Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon.

Android M vs Android N: What has changed?

It seems like device makers are slowly starting to jump onboard the Nougat bandwagon. A few days ago we told you LG started rolling out the Android 7.0 Nougat update for it G5 flagship in South Korea. But other OEMs like Motorola or HTC are yet to follow suit.

T-Mobile weekend promo: Buy a Galaxy S7 and get one for free

Alexandra Arici
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0

Interested in purchasing a high-end phone? Well in this case you should know this weekend T-Mobile will be offering customers a promotion on the Samsung Galaxy S7 that sounds quite exciting.

The BOGO program (buy-one, get-one) goes live on Friday, November 11 at 6:00 AM PT and closes its gates on Sunday, November 13 at 11:59PM PT.

Anyone is eligible to join the promo, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a returning T-Mobile customer or a new one. In case of the latter scenario, users can even be awarded up to $650 in order to cover switching fees.

[graphiq id=”4RO2FgSuW6p” title=”Samsung Galaxy S7 Key Facts” width=”600″ height=”654″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/4RO2FgSuW6p” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/5087/Samsung-Galaxy-S7″ link_text=”SpecOut | Graphiq” ]

But back to the deal. T-Mobile will be offering a free Samsung Galaxy S7 to customers who purchase the phone on T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP). Users are required to add a line for the second free phone. After that shoppers will be awarded 24 monthly credits for the free Galaxy S7.

Check out these 10 awesome cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

The Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6 Edge+ are also eligible in the promotion, in case the Galaxy S7 isn’t your thing.

With the demise of the Galaxy Note7, the Galaxy S7 remains Samsung’s only premium phone this year. The handset was unveiled at MWC 2016 and comes boasting a 5.1-inch AMOLED panel with 1,440 x 2,560 pixel resolution.

The handset’s power source is a Snapdragon 820 processor working hand in hand with 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB internal storage (expandable via microSD card slot). Other specifications include a 12MP/5MP camera duo, fingerprint scanner and Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

With the Galaxy Beta Program unleashed, users with a Galaxy S7 can register to help test the latest Android 7.0 Nougat.

The NIMA Sports Bluetooth Speaker Helmet is the ultimate tech accessory for NCAA football fans

Derrick Miyao
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1

College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States. It is so popular that even the NFL owes much of its success as it laid the foundation for the talent and rules in place today. Students and graduates can develop an almost unhealthy fanaticism for their school’s team and show it in crazy ways.

I’ve come across one of the coolest wireless accessories I have reviewed in a long time, and college football fans will love it. The NIMA Sports Bluetooth Speaker Helmet.

Design

dsc06202

The NIMA Sports Bluetooth Speaker Helmet is a very unique accessory. The unit I am reviewing is a full sized helmet that looks and feels like the real thing I used when I played football. Except this one has a massive woofer built into the bottom of the helmet, with two large speakers built into the earpieces. The speakers in the ears are covered by mesh metal grilles that don’t distract from the look of the helmet.

dsc06221Controls are similar to what you would find on other large wireless speakers; there are buttons on the back of the helmet for power, Bluetooth, track and volume control. Where this speaker is more advanced is with the EQ button that changes the sound based on seven different preset settings.

dsc06161On the back is where you will also find a 3.5mm audio input jack, a full sized USB A outlet for charging your smartphone, and the power input.

There’s an eye guard behind the face mask which reminds me of former San Diego Charger, Ladanian Tomlinson, and gives the helmet a finished look. It’s a true wireless speaker with a large built-in battery that gives the helmet a good bit of heft at 14 pounds.

The helmet speaker is an officially licensed product of the NCAA and fans of Nebraska, USC, Alabama, Michigan State, UCLA, LSU, University of Florida, Auburn, Florida State, Arkansas and the University of Texas. More schools are in the works for future helmets, but are currently limited. I would guess that would have to do something with the high licensing fees these schools charge.

screen-shot-2016-11-09-at-10-16-37-pm

Specs

  • Bluetooth 4.2 EDR
  • Microphone for taking calls
  • Dimensions: 15.0in x 13.6in x 11.2in
  • Weight: 14lbs
  • Full stereo sound with dual speakers and a large subwoofer

Sound, App and Looks

First off, the look of this helmet speaker is awesome. It’s the same logo and color of the USC Trojans’ helmet, and I can imagine that other schools look spot on too. The face mask not only looks like the real deal, but it feels like it is made from real steel that is covered in plastic. It makes for a great carrying mechanism.

The sound is where the speaker excels. With a speaker on each side of the helmet and the inclusion of the down-firing subwoofer, the sound is designed to impress those even at tailgate parties. It gets very loud and can play over crowds, or in my case, really anger my neighbors.

dsc06200The sound quality is helped that by the ability to change the EQ settings to any preference your ears desire. Changing the EQ is simple to do with the seven presets through the TWS button on the back of the helmet, or you can connect through the free iOS or Android app to access the controls of the Nima helmet speaker.

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With the ability to control the EQ, the user is free to adjust the sound for ultra bass using the large subwoofer, or they can dial it back for a more balanced tone. Regardless of the EQ setting, the speaker sound fantastic sitting right up against it or even up to 20 feet away.

Summary

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The NIMA Sports Bluetooth Speaker Helmet is one of the coolest products I have reviewed all year. It doesn’t come cheap with a price tag of $399 for the large version, but you can get the medium for $249, and the small for $149. For the ultimate college football fans, there might not be a better accessory to add to your collection of foam fingers and jerseys. It offers eight hour battery life, is extremely loud and offers customizable sound that would impress at a tailgate party, or simply look awesome in your home. This would also make for a fantastic gift for the 2016 holiday season.

Head on over to www.nimausa.com to learn more.

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Snag a Chuwi 10050mAh battery bank for $23

AndroidGuys
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How often do you find yourself running out of juice on your phone? While that sort of thing isn’t nearly as bad as it was a few years ago, we still end up in situations where we wish we had more power. Be it a weekend getaway that keeps us mostly outside or a long day away from the wall charger, we always appreciate having extra battery on reserve.

Portable power banks are one of our favorite types of accessories – for a number of reasons. Not only do the capacities seem to be shooting higher than ever, but the physical sizes are dropping in the process. And, even better, the costs continue to get more competitive.

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Chuwi offers up a perfect example of plenty of battery in a portable and affordable form factor. With 10050mAh worth of power, it’s enough to charge your typical smartphone up somewhere between three to five times.

On the end of the device you’ll find a micro-USB charging input with Quick Charge 3.0 capability. This means ultra-fast charging times to get the Chuwi unit ready for the weekend. Moreover, there’s also an LED indicator with four lights to help get a feel for how much power is left. Last, but not least, there’s also the USB port to plug in whatever device needs charging.

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What else makes it worth considering? How about some technical stuff?

  • Powered by the world’s latest and fastest quick charging technology –Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 [Qualcomm Certified].
  • 18 watts input and output Two-way fast charging.
  • Adopts the high-density LG/Panasonic battery cells.
  • High-performance Texas Instruments control chip, provide 9 layers of security protection.
  • Up to 93% conversion rate, optimized charging/discharging efficiency.
  • Exclusive AiCharge technology, compatible with Apple and BC1.2 charging specifications.
  • Ultra compact and stylish, feels exceptional in hand.

The Chuwi 10050mAh portable power bank can be had at Bangood for only $23 right now. And, with free shipping to the US, it’s a heck of a deal. The only question is whether to go with white, black, or green!

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