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Geekbuying’s limited time deal has exclusive pricing on various Xiaomi phones

AndroidGuys
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Are you in the hunt for a low-cost alternative to the big name smartphones? Have you ever considered Xiaomi? As a giant Chinese cell phone maker, Xiaomi may not be a name that you know yet. You will, though. Trust us.

Look at the hardware that comprises the various Xioami smartphone models and compare them to the competition from the likes of Samsung, LG, or HTC. Now, look at the difference in price. Indeed, the Xiaomi stuff comes in much less expensive.

Geekbuying, an online retailer that we’ve become fans of over the last year, is hosting a Xiaomi Exclusive Sale for the next few days. Starting immediately, you can knock off even more money across a variety of already-inexpensive models.

Here are three models to start with; each speaks to a different level of user needs and performance. Note that most models come in a variety of color and memory options.

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Xiaomi Redmi Pro

Powered by Android 6.0 with a custom MIUI 8 interface, the Redmi Pro features a 5.5-inch display at 1080p full HD resolution. In terms of performance, you’ll get a Mediatek deca-core processor at 2.1GHz, 3GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage. Need more space? Throis in a microSD card and load even more media.

As for cameras, the Redmi Pro offers up a rear 13-megapixel Sony IMX258 and Samsung 5-megapixel pair; around front is another 5-megapixel unit. Wrapped in a brushed metal body, the phone also houses a 4050mAh with fast charge capability.

ONLY $190

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Xiaomi Mi5

Slightly smaller at 5.1-inches, this one still boasts a full HD display at 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. Internally, the Mi5 offers up a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage.

Cameras come in the form of a 16-megapixel rear shooter and a front-facing 4.0-megapixel picture snapper. Powered by Android 6.0, the MIUI 7 is an excellent interface with plenty of customization.

ONLY $250

mi5_pro

Xiaomi Mi5 Pro

A powerhouse of a device, the Mi5 Pro boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (2.15GHz) with 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage space. Moreover, it packs a 16-megapixel rear camera and front-side 4.0-megapixel shooter.

You’ll come for the 5.1-inch full HD display with curved glass, but stay for the ceramic body.Rounding things out, the phone packs a 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0, NFC, fingerprint reader, and dual-SIM support.

ONLY $370

Suffice it to say, there are a ton of fantastic deals being offered through Geekbuying right now. Take a look and you’ll certainly find something awesome that speaks to your needs. You’ll want to act fast on these deals as they’re only offered through the end of the month!

Unlocked Moto Z Play starts selling in the US for $449

Alexandra Arici
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At IFA 2016 in Berlin a few months ago, Motorola announced the bran new Moto Z Play. And so far, the handset has been available exclusively from Verizon.

But if you’re not into buying a phone that comes with an unlocked bootloader and pre-installed Verizon software, then you might be pleased to know that the unlocked Moto Z Play version is now available for purchase.

While the Motorola website is currently only taking pre-orders for the handset, customers can purchase the unlocked Moto Z Play from Amazon, B&H and Best Buy.

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The phone offers a great set of specifications and is sold for an affordable $449. The Moto Z Play comes boasting a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution.

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset working in combination with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (users can expand to up to 2TB via a microSD).

In the photo department, the mobile phone features a 16MP main camera with dual color LED flash plus a 5MP selfie snapper with front-facing LED.

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motrola-z-play-main-camera-view

The Moto Z Play takes advantage of a 3,150 mAh battery which according to Lenovo can offer up to 50 hours of battery life (on standby mode, obviously).

The device also bundles a 3.5mm audio jack and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. But given Motorola’s good track record with providing updates, the phone should be treated to the stock Android Nougat experience soon enough.

Besides the great spec list, the phone gives off a genuine premium feel. It has a metal frame with a glass back and a fingerprint scanner is located below the display under the Home button.

The Z Play is compatible with the same Mods as the Z and Z Force smartphones, which are a tad more expensive.

ZTE teases eye-tracking, self-adhesive phone, expected in 2017

Alexandra Arici
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Lots of smartphone models get released on the market every month, but most of them are pretty standard. Even major smartphone producers like Samsung or Apple usually stick to the fundamental principles when releasing a new handset into the wild.

However, there are companies that like to experiment design-wise in an attempt to push the boundaries of the smartphone industry. Like Chinese handset maker ZTE. A few months ago, the company announced Project CSX – an initiative meant to uncover and crowdsource innovative smartphone ideas. Now ZTE has announced it finally has a “winner” device to show us.

So what makes the phone special? First and foremost, the prototype is said to take advantage eye-tracking software. This basically means the phone will be able to track your eye movements and “know” when you are looking at it.

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This function will supposedly allow users of this futuristic smartphone to scroll through book pages without employing their hands. The feat should also work when users need to skip through videos or audio tracks. A set of cameras are fitted on the top and bottom bezel to provide eye-tracking support.

Another atypical feature of the Project CSX handset its self-adhesive backing. Basically, users will be able to stick their phone on a variety of surfaces. It’s certainly not a new concept, but the feature hasn’t gone mainstream yet.

In the spec department, it’s possible (but not final) we’ll see the phone make a debut with a 5.5-inch LCD display with 1440 x 2560-pixel resolution (534ppi) and Snapdragon 823 chipset (or the latest) on the inside. The phone should be offered in 4GB of RAM/64GB and 6GB of RAM/128GB variants.

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The primary camera could take advantage of a 16MP sensor with f/1.8, OIS, laser autofocus and dual-LED flash, while the two front-facing cameras would bundle an 8MP sensor with f/1.8, OIS and autofocus.

ZTE’s upcoming phone will bundle a 3,500-4,000 mAh battery and run on Android Nougat.

Thousands of mobile phone enthusiasts from 176 countries participating in voting for the winning device. The competition had users divided between the adhesive smartphone and other creative ideas including a bunch of intelligent smartphone covers, a stock Android flagship phone from ZTE, a VR-interactive diving mask, and a power glove.

ZTE said it is committed to bringing the device to the market in 2017. The designed behind the winning idea will be invited to join ZTE at the CES 2017 conference in Las Vegas.

Meet Natalie and her UMi Plus (PROMOTED)

Guest Blogger
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Hello UMi fans! Today we have a post and video for you, with the UMi Plus as the subject.

In this video you will see Natalie, a girl full of vitality and energy, during one of her typical days. As you can see, she does quite some a few activities every day and she has always the smartphone in her hands; she needs a product which is powerful, snappy and which has as much stamina as she has, and that’s not easy, we can assure you!

But since we released the UMi Plus, she immediately fell in love with it and it has become her number one technological gadget by far. The design, the feeling, the performances and the huge 4000mAh battery allows her to enjoy a day of work: to call and hang with friends, to chill at the cafè watching videos and surfing the web, to explore the city with GPS and to take photos and videos without worrying to run out of juice. She can finally leave the heavy power bank at home and she can stop looking for electrical sockets when entering public places.

What do you think? Share your thoughts with us!

If interested, you can purchase the UMi Plus from the e-shops below:

Gearbest: http://bit.ly/PLUSgearbest
Tomtop: http://bit.ly/plusTomtp
Everbuying: http://bit.ly/everbuyingplus
igogo: http://bit.ly/igogoplus
Coolicool: http://bit.ly/CLCPLUS
Banggood: http://bit.ly/BGPLUS

Samsung Galaxy Note7 users really love the phablet, over a million are still using it

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier this month, Samsung put an end to global production of the faulty Galaxy Note7. The Korean tech giant also specifically asked owners of the phablet to return the potentially dangerous phones and take advantage of the available ailments.

The company is now trying to entice users to bring in their Galaxy Note7, by offering $100 credit towards the purchase of another Galaxy phone. But some people just love their Galaxy Note7 too much to part with it.

According to the latest statistics coming out of South Korean publication Korean JoongAng Daily a lot of users have no immediate plans of returning the tablet. The report cites a few customers, among them being Mr. Park, a 43-year old office worker.

He admits that due his demanding job, he didn’t exchange the phablet because he simply didn’t have the time. Interestingly enough he admits he might interested in purchasing the Galaxy S8 when it comes out next year, but until that he’ not really looking to “downgrade”.

[graphiq id=”18kkdS5SAPr” title=”Samsung Galaxy S7″ width=”500″ height=”748″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/18kkdS5SAPr” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq” ]

Statistic provided by mobile service providers disclose that less than a 10% of Note7 users have returned their phablet to receive refund and exchanges. Worldwide, it appears that over one million users are still using the handset.

It seems most Galaxy Note7 users are choosing to hope for the best. As far as their devices are working they don’t really see an impending need to return them.

For its part, Samsung is trying to provide Note7 refugees with a worthy alternative, that being the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. On top of the $100 credit offered, Samsung has also recently used an update which bestows Galaxy Note7 specific features on the two S7 flagships like the always-on display setting.

However at this point, it doesn’t seem these attempts to make the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge more attractive, are really enough to change the mind of Galaxy Note7 users.

T-Mobile to pay a fine of $48 million for false marketing

Andrew Orr
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Hey, remember when T-Mobile lied about its new unlimited plan? Well the FCC sure does, and now it’s making T-Mobile pay. How much you ask? $48 million dollars, which is just pocket change for these big companies.

In 2015 we found out that T-Mobile was slowing down data for customers in the top 3% data usage tier – about 17GB of data/month. Customers only found out about this after a bunch of complaints were lodged against the carrier. MetroPCS users were also throttled under this tier as well.

Buyer’s Guide: T-Mobile

But the FCC says the throttling itself isn’t the issue. It’s the way T-Mobile marketed it. Saying that a cellular plan is unlimited, while throttling users at the same time is too deceptive, plus it violates the 2010 Open Internet transparency rule.

The rule covers disclosures about “network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of service.” and applies to service descriptions, including expected and actual broadband speed and latency, among others.

In a statement, FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc said,

“Consumers should not have to guess whether so-called ‘unlimited’ data plans contain key restrictions, like speed constraints, data caps, and other material limitations.”

T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers that were affected by this throttling are eligible for 4GB of additional mobile data under the Simple Choice MINT plan. They also get a 20% discount on in-stock phone accessories.

T-Mobile will pay for this through a $35.5 million consumer benefit program, while another $7.5 million will be paid directly to the US Treasury. Finally, $5 million in services and equipment will be provided to schools in the United States.

Have you been affected by T-Mobile throttling? Do you use at least 17GB of data per month? Let us know in the comments below.

Verizon starts sales of Pixel phones, but the Pixel XL 128GB is not available

Alexandra Arici
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Google’s brand new smartphone duo – the Pixel and Pixel XL – have just landed in brick and mortar Verizon stores.

But if you were planning to purchase the 128GB version of the Pixel XL, you won’t like what we’re about to tell you next. Verizon’s Jeffrey Nelson announced in a Tweet the Pixel XL 128GB is already sold-out (most likely through pre-orders). All other models are still currently available including the 32GB of the Pixel and Pixel XL and Pixel with 128GB onboard.

Buyer’s Guide: Verizon

The Google Store also lists the Pixel XL as out of stock (every model), so the chances of picking up the 128GB Pixel XL seem pretty slim at this point. Unless Best Buy starts offering it.

The Pixel XL offers a slighter larger screen, 5.5-inch compared to 5-inch and a beefier battery (3,450 vs 2,770). It also comes boasting a more advanced QHD resolution compared to the Pixel’s 1080p.

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If you haven’t pre-ordered your Pixel from the Google Play Store, you can still go pick up one of the available models at Verizon. However, take into consideration to phones will come pre-installed with a suite of the carrier’s apps and with a locked bootloader.

On the bright side of things, customers can purchase a Pixel 32GB for $27/month over 24 months or $649 outright. As for the 128GB version, the phone is sold for $749 upfront or $31.24/month over 24 months, while the Pixel XL 32GB can be yours for $769 outright or $32/month over 24 months.

To customers who have a 10GB (or more) data plan, Verizon will offer a $25 per month credit toward a 24-month payment plan. Which means that instead of paying $27 per month for a Pixel 32GB you’ll end up spending $2/month. Which is indeed quite tempting.

Kodak launches the Ektra – an Android smartphone with analog camera feel

Alexandra Arici
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Kodak, once one of the world’s biggest camera makers, has been trying to enter the Android smartphone market, for a few years now.

The photography equipment maker unveiled its first smartphone at CES 2015. The device, named IM5 bundled a pretty mediocre set of specs, so ended up mostly being ignored by Android fans. But Kodak it’s not giving up on its plans to offer a mind-blowing Android smartphone.

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This week Kodak unveiled the Ektra. If the name sounds familiar that’s because Kodak has named the new Android product after its iconic 35mm camera from the 40s.

And unlike the utterly uninspiring IM5 (even the name is a boring one), the Ektra is quite stunning and vintage-looking. Despite being a brand with a long history, Kodak has little influence in today’s photography world. That’s why the company is trying to dab into different waters for a change.

As it was to be expected, the Ektra is a photo-centric smartphone. The main snapper itself features a 21MP sensor with f/2.0 lens and Optical Image Stabilization. It offers Phase Detection AF and 4K video recording. Kodak also throws in a dual-LED, dual-tone LED flash which lives on the back of the device. The phone also takes advantages of a substantial 13MP selfie camera. Naturally Kodak has bundled an impressive palette of image editing features.

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Kodak chose to partner up with Bullitt – a smartphone maker for hire –  for Ektra, and the company has chosen Snapseed as its default photo-editing app.

Kodak allows users to complement the handset with leather phone accessories that look very much like old school camera cases. Actually the phone itself gives off strong analog camera vibes, visually.

In the specs department, the Ektra fears a lot better than its predecessor – the IM5. The phone features a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution and a has a octa-core MediaTek Helio X20 chipset working in combination with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (a microSD card slot allows for memory expansion). The phone is kept alive by a chunky 3,000 mAh battery which shouldn’t exhaust itself too quickly.

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Ektra will ship out with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box, but at this point we don’t know whether the phone will be treated to 7.0 Nougat or not.

On the outside, the Ektra employs a lot of plastic. There’s faux leather on the back, but the plastic sides are made to look like they boast a metal finish. A handy Kodak shutter button allows the camera app to launch immediately. A half-press is all it’s needed to activate focus.

For the time being, Kodak will offer its second smartphone in Europe for €499 a pop. And if things go well, the company might think of brining the Ektra in the United States, as well, sometimes in early 2017.

Verizon launches LG V20 and LG Stylo 2 V

Alexandra Arici
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Verizon just introduced two new LG-branded phones that are going to be sold under its banner. The high-end LG V20 and budget-friendly LG Stylo 2 V are available starting today online, but will be hitting brick and mortar stores on October 27.

The LG V20 is currently being eyed by many, in the wake of the grand Galaxy Note7 fiasco. The high-end phone was launched in September 2016 and bundles advanced specs. It comes equipped with a 5.7-inch touchscreen display with 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution and 531ppi.

The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 820 processor clocked at 1.6Ghz in combination with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable up to 256GB via microSD card slot). In the photography department, the LG V20 takes advantage of a hefty 16MP main camera and a 5MP selfie shooter.

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It comes with Android 7.0 pre-installed and a 3,200 mAh removable battery. The LG V20 might be just the prefect Note7 alternative and Verizon is selling it for a very attractive price. Interested parties can acquire it for $672 outright or by embarking on a two-year plan with the carrier and paying $28/month.

Compared to other carriers, Verizon offers a very good deal. AT&T sells the phone for $830 without a contract, while T-Mobile asks for $769.

What’s more Verizon offers three LG V20-related promotions.

  1. You can get $300 back when you buy the LG V20 on device payment and trade in select smartphones (available for a limited time only)
  2. Purchase the LG V20 on a payment plan and get a pair of premium H3 earphones by B&O Play ($149 value)
  3. Buy the LG V20 on device payment and you can get the LG Stylo 2 V for $1/month with a 24 month plans attached

As for the second phone which is making a debut today, it’s a mid-range affair destined for customers on a budget.

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The phone features a spacious display of 5.7-inch with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution. It draws power from a octa-core 1.8GHz CPU in combination with 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card up to 128GB). The LG Stylo 2 V takes advantage of 13MP rear camera plus a 5MP front snapper. It runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

As the name suggest, the phablet comes equipped with a stylus, so you can scribble your thoughts on the device whenever you want. The phone can be bought for $10 a month for 24 months or for $240 without a plan.

Buyer’s Guide: Verizon

Android 7.1 Developer Preview arrives on the Nexus 6P, 5X and Pixel C

Alexandra Arici
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Not so long ago, Google said the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview will soon be making its way to the Nexus 6P, 5X and Pixel C. Google kept true to its word and this week the new build started rolling out to owners of these devices.

The timing is perfect, given the fact that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are officially hitting US stores today. Customers will be able to pick up the phones, which come with Android 7.1 pre-installed, from Verizon and Best Buy.

Google is taking an incremental approach with this update. Remember that Android Marshmallow never made it beyond the 6.0.1 version, so Google going straight to Android 7.1 seems to indicate there are some fairly big changes bundled up in the release.

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According to the official Android Developers blog, the new Developer Preview introduces a suite of new features like application shortcuts and circular image support, wallpaper metadata, storage manager intent plus image keyboard support. On top of that, there’s an updated SDK and tools, documentations, samples, and emulators plus device system images for running apps on supported devices.

To get started Google instructs users to:

– update to Android Studio 2.2.2

– download API Level 25 platform, emulator system images and tools (the final API Level 25 SDK is available for download via the SDK Manager in Android Studio)

– install the API Level 25 SDK and update the project’s ompileSdkVersion to 25 to build and test against the new APIs

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There are a few ways you can get your hands on the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview. The first and easiest variant requires users to sign up for the Android Beta program and accept the update over the air.

Another solution is to download the entire factory image in the form of a .TGZ file and flash the image to the phone using the flast.bat method. Or you can download the OTA zip file instead.

Google reminds us the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview is a beta version, so you’re invited to test and identify device-specific issues.

The search giant said an update will be issued in November, with the public, consumer-bound Android 7.1 build coming out sometime in December.

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