Android is an extremely powerful operating system. We generally see Android as either the pure vision from Google on our Nexus handsets and tablets, or a skinned version from OEMs like LG, Samsung and Sony on their devices. What some may not realize is there has been a push to get Android up and running, either emulated or not, as a full fledged OS on a desktop.
Great strides have been made by developers recently. Systems such as BlueStacks let you emulate Android on your desktop so you can use your apps on your desktop instead of draining your battery on your phone when you want to play your favorite games. But as of January 12, you’ll be able to download and run full, multi-windowed Android Lollipop on your PC or Mac.
The exciting announcement comes from Jide, the makers of Remix OS. Remix OS is built on the Android-x86 project and will run on Intel based machines. This is fantastic news for anyone looking to breathe life into their older hardware they may not use anymore. I’m looking forward to picking up an older netbook and installing it or throwing it on a flash drive so I can take it with me on the run.
With Remix OS you’ll get a bevy of features. Most notably is multi-window support. Some skins of Android currently support this feature on the small screen, and now you’ll be able to have multiple windows up on the big screen too. Also included is support for widgets, a full file browser, resizable windows, a taskbar, an app drawer, a system tray and a notification tray.
Remix OS will also allow you to drag and drop onto the desktop or between file folders. It has full keyboard and mouse support, including right and left click actions and keyboard shortcuts.
Remix OS will launch on January 12 and have the ability be natively installed on machines. When you boot up, you’ll have the option to boot into Android via Remix OS or your normal OS. The creators say an update to Android Marshmallow will be coming soon. We’re not sure if that’s Motorola fast or Samsung on Verizon fast, but we’re optimistic.
A part of what makes Google Play a better experience for developers is that they can easily publish to the store without an extensive wait between submission and actual distribution. That’s because the apps are tested by computers for specific conditions and then allowed to publish. Further investigation is done afterwards to assure that they are indeed completely following the rules and if they aren’t, sometimes they’re removed and the developers’ accounts are terminated without warning.
Unfortunately, that sometimes has downsides in the form of things slipping through and having the potential to cause damage to user’s devices or worse. In October 2015, Lookout started monitoring a group of apps that were exhibiting behavior similar to that of the Brain Test family of malware. According to Lookout’s blog post, developers spent 2-3 months experimenting to see what types of names, games, and techniques they could use to publish to Google Play without being detected, then on December 23rd one of the apps, Cake Tower, was updated to take on its malicious properties.
According to the original blog post from the discoverers of Brain Test, Check Point, this is done by publishing a relatively benign-looking app to the Play Store and then have that app download an additional package that will attempt to take advantage of known exploits to root the device. If root is achieved then it will install a malicious app to the system partition of the device so that even if the user removes the original offending application, the malicious app is permanently installed to the device. From there, these apps are designed to download other applications to the device as a paid service to other developers that want their apps more widely distributed. While they are making their money on guaranteed application-installs, this type of exploit could be much more nefarious.
After the update was published to Google Play, Lookout reported it and all of the developer’s other apps to Google on December 29th and they were promptly removed. Lookout warns that once the app has been installed to the system partition, a factory reset will not remove it because factory resets don’t wipe the system partition. Their recommendation is to obtain a factory image from your device manufacturer and flash it to completely remove the offending application. After examining how deeply these apps tend to borough themselves into devices, it seems like that’s the least headache-inducing option if you’re comfortable with it (and your phone OEM will provide you with an image). If either of those aren’t true, your best bet would probably be to call customer service for your carrier or device OEM to see what they can do.
The conclusion offered by Lookout is to, well, lookout for apps or games that seem fishy. They also recommend that you install a security app (like Lookout) to your phone to be sure that you’re protected from apps like these.
[blockquote author=”Lookout”]While it’s definitely true that users are considerably safer when downloading only from a mainstream source like the Google Play Store, we recommend users remain cautious and use additional security software to ensure the safety of their device.[/blockquote]
Ultimately, these apps are few and far between and while it’s definitely good to remain cautious, it’s unlikely any of them will ever surface in the top apps in the Play Store or will be removed before they do.
Huawei has been making strides lately in the mobile market. The Chinese manufacturer was in no way shy at this year’s CES, bringing a whole round of goodies. It looks like the manufacturer had one more bombshell to drop for the U.S. market – the Honor 5X.
On the surface, this is another good-looking metal-built phone. It’s only until you see Huawei’s asking price when you get the eye-opener: $199. Now, under that perspective, I can start to impress you with everything this ambitious phone packs.
The Honor 5X appears to have a build as premium as they come. The metallic unibody is brush-finished and lined with a shiny chamfering along the back. Huawei also didn’t skimp out on the back-placed fingerprint scanner found across its current lineup of phones.
At $199, it is reasonable to expect some run-of-the-mill specs. But Huawei has made a very capable mid-ranger here:
5.5″ 1080P display
Snapdragon 615 (octa-core) SoC
2GB of RAM
16GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD
13MP rear and 5MP front cameras
3,000mAh battery
Android 5.1 (Lollipop) + EMUI 3.1 UI
Along with connectivity support for U.S. GSM networks (AT&T and T-Mobile, with LTE support), you’ll also get dual SIM slots. The Honor 5X will have three color choices: Sunset Gold, Dark Gray, or Daybreak Silver.
The release date for the Honor 5X is Jan. 31st. When it drops, you’ll be able to purchase directly on the brand’s website or from two online giants – Amazon or Newegg. Pre-orders are up right now, so if Huawei’s aggressive budget offering has won you over, hit it up. Check out the source link for more details on the Honor 5X.
Let’s face it. While Bluetooth audio streaming is a neat convenience, even expensive solutions are inferior in terms of audio quality to their wired counterparts. It isn’t the engineering that is lacking, but rather, Bluetooth technology isn’t primed for audiophile-grade tastes. If anything in the audio delivery suggests “compression”, it is an instant turn-off – which unfortunately is how Bluetooth streaming works. The aptX audio codec (developed by Qualcomm) is the means for the wireless transfer, which has to digitally reduce the data in order to send it.
But Qualcomm refuses to leave it at that. It has been working on an update to the widely adopted audio codec, dubbed aptX HD. While the general operation of the technology is the same, aptX HD opens the stream up to 24-bit audio quality (from 16-bit in aptX).
[blockquote author=”Qualcomm”]As well as accepting a 24-bit audio input, 24-bit audio resolution is maintained by using an extra two bits in each of the four sub-bands of processing. This results in lower signal-to-noise ratio (the signal strength signal strength relative to background noise) through the encode/decode cycle and less distortion, making aptX HD ideal for use as part of a high-resolution audio solution.[/blockquote]
No, this won’t solve the compression limitation with Bluetooth streaming, but Qualcomm is hoping that the net amount of audio data reaching your DAC (digital-to-analog converter) will be significantly larger. Bear in mind that you may need a good pair of Bluetooth headphones (with a competent on-board DAC) to notice a difference.
Qualcomm says that aptX HD is now available in the CSR8675 Bluetooth audio SoC platform, which supports the 24-bit resolution all-around.
The aptX HD source has begun making its way to Android devices, but stay tuned for the adoption of the new audio codec to grow over the year. Maybe that’ll give more Bluetooth headsets a chance to catch up as well.
The wait finally got over for those who own the Moto X Play in India and Brazil as Motorola has started pushing the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the device today. While the Lenovo-owned company had been one of the fastest OEM to roll out the Motorola update to its handsets, the Moto X play had to wait a bit longer than its premium counterpart, the Moto X Style, and its predecessor the Moto X (2nd Gen.) to receive the update.
The update, which is available over the air (OTA), brings some new changes including, Doze mode and App Standby, Google Now on Tap, granular app permissions, additional storage options and Google’s voice assist throughout the system.
The Moto X Play is known as the DROID Maxx 2 in the US and there is still no word as to when will Verizon begin rolling out the software to the users in the country. Since the Moto X Pure Edition (known as the Moto X Style globally) has already received Android 6.0 in the States, it can be assumed that the upgrade for the Moto X Play must be just round the corner.
Has your device received the Marshmallow update? Has it improved the performance of your phone? Do let us know your views in the comments section below.
So you got yourself some money over the holidays and now you’re looking to spend some. Why not start the new year out right with a new phone?
Purchasing a new smartphone can be quite the expensive endeavor. Moreover, it can also be a bit of a headache as you try to consider which phone, which carrier, and which rate plan is right. We’re here to help you with at least one of those segments: the phone. And, more specifically, we’re going to help nail down one place to check for your handset needs.
Why unlocked?
The benefit of an unlocked smartphone, for those who aren’t aware, is that it can be used on a variety of wireless service providers. Going this route ensures you don’t have to worry about contracts or long-term obligations. Want to hop from T-Mobile to AT&T or vice-versa? That’s no problem when you’re using an unlocked GSM phone.
We’ve gathered up the 10 best-selling unlocked Android devices from Best Buy so you can get a sense for what’s available. Indeed, you’ll see a nice mix of big-name vendors and devices from other, scrappy players. Note that we’ve omitted color variations; you might find other colors available.
So, the next time you need to replace your existing phone, consider scooping up one of these. It’s often a heck of a lot cheaper than going through your carrier in the long run.
You’ve probably never heard of Macate before but they have been making GATCA and “Cyberphone” smartphones for a while now right out of Silicon Valley. They specialize in secure mobile communication and media devices as well as secured financial transaction equipment, which should tip you off at what they believe sets them apart from the pack: security.
Today at CES Macate introduced their newest Android phone, the GATCA Elite Cyberphone. It’s not a bad looking phone but based on the specs, it seems to be a wholly unmiraculous phone:
Connectivity: 2G Quad-Band; 3G Band 12 4 5; 4G Band 2 4 5 12 17
WiFi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
The value, according to Macate, comes when you examine the highly customized version of Android that lives inside of the phone. Macate touts the below security features as the selling points for the GATCA Elite:
GeoLock—location-based security settings to unlock/lock the phone and/or specific files at designated locations.
COIN SL—device lockdown feature to protect users from personal information theft when their phone is lost or stolen, the SIM card is removed or an unfamiliar one is reinserted.
TrueFace—facial recognition software with liveliness detection capabilities to guarantee the phone and files are safe from intruders attempting access with a 2D image.
Duo AES—Advanced encryption software to support 256-bit encryption for optimal data security as well as 512-bit military-grade encryption for working with highly classified information.
The phone also comes with an email encryption app, end-to-end message encryption, and more. It would seem that if you’re a security junkie that this type of device would appeal to you but based on what we know at this point, it’s going to be a tough sell especially when they’re selling it for $850. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, though, it comes in black or white variants and is available now through Macate’s website by sending them a request.
We are just five days into 2016, and Under Armour is here to help those of us who’s New Years resolution was to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. Introduced yesterday at CES, Under Armour and HTC announced the HealthBox. The HealthBox is a bundle of fitness devices aimed to keep you on your toes, and keep every aspect of your health tracked in some form or fashion.
Within the HealthBox, you will receive three different health devices; the UA Band, UA Heart Rate, and the UA Scale. Each device has their own methods to keep track of your health, and when combined with the UA Record application, you’ll be able to view and track your information wherever you are.
“This system contains everything a consumer needs to better manage their health and fitness. Whether you are a high performance athlete or simply committed to improving your health, UA HealthBox is the only system that delivers the complete picture and provides the information and motivation needed to achieve your goals.”
Let’s dive a little deeper into each device found within the UA HealthBox. The UA Band is Under Armours foray into fitness band devices, and could be compared to the Nike FuelBand. This device is meant to be worn all day and all night, and will track your every movement, even while you’re sleeping. Something pretty awesome with the UA Band is that since it will be tracking your movements all day, you can actually set daily goals and track progress right from the convenience of your wrist.
The UA Heart Rate, which can be paired with the UA Band, is a compact heart rate monitor which can be used during workouts. This device will give you the best opportunity to monitor your heart rate during your workouts, so that you know the perfect time to get the blood flowing, or when to slow things down a bit.
Finally, the UA Scale is a Wi-Fi scale that allows you to easily track your weight and have the information entered into the UA Record Apps. Not only will you be able to keep track of your weight, but the UA Scale also allows for body fat percentages to be tracked as well.
This bundle really is the end-all-be-all for your fitness tracking needs. Time will tell if HTC and Under Armour got the products right, and hopefully, these devices will work seamlessly together without a hitch.
The UA HealthBox is coming to the US later this month for about $400, and will be available at Under Armour Brand House locations. Pre-orders have started today over at HTC‘s and Under Armour‘s websites.
Drop us a line and let us know what you think about the UA HealthBox. Will this bundle help revolutionize the way you workout, or are you at least happy to see someone release all the devices you need for a healthy workout in one bundle?
With CES 2016 in full swing, we’ve already seen announcements from the likes of Huawei, Jaybird, Polaroid, Misfit, Acer, and others. Of course, there are many more announcements to be expected over the course of this week and beyond, but ZTE didn’t want to miss out on the early action.
Earlier today, ZTE announced two new Android phones that will be coming our way, as well as couple other goodies. Before jumping in, the devices that were announced today aren’t going to end up in the “powerhouse” category, but instead are joining the steadily growing budget lineup of Android devices.
The ZTE Grand X 3, available on Cricket Wireless later this month, will run its customers only $129.99 and has a fairly impressive spec sheet.
As I stated above, the ZTE Grand X 3 is going to turn heads as one of high-end smartphones announced at CES, but there are two noticeable additions. ZTE is jumping on the USB Type-C bandwagon, furthering the push to make this the new standard and moving away from micro-USB. Additionally, the Grand X 3 has a mammoth 3000mAh battery for a device in this price range. These are two things that will put the Grand X 3 on the map in the budget devices category.
The other device that ZTE is introducing today is the ZTE Avid Plus. This is kind of the little brother to the Grand X 3, but much less impressive. The spec-line for the Avid Plus reads like something you would have gotten two years ago or so, as a mid-range device.
Priced only $15 cheaper than the Grand X 3, the Avid Plus won’t really turn many heads, but could be that first device for the young ones in your family. Just to make sure they don’t have a tendency of breaking the higher-priced devices. On the bright side, it does have a decently sized battery, and microSD card support up to 32GB, so not all is lost with the Avid Plus.
In addition to the two latest budget devices to come from ZTE, the company had two more cool announcements to share with everyone today. First, we’ll take a look at how ZTE is trying to grow their community of users. With the announcement of Z-Community, ZTE is looking to “develop deeper relationships with members that result in products that offer more personal value to individuals.”
In 2015, we proved we put consumers at the heart of everything we designed, built, and delivered through the Axon smartphone series. We worked hard, persevered, and strove for greatness as defined by consumers and users. In 2016, we are taking that approach to a new level and will look to Z-Community for more than improving upon what ZTE has already done, but how we develop products and services moving forward.
From the looks of it, ZTE is trying to get everyone on board with their devices, offering users to possible affect changes to future devices. This is a great move, and as long as it’s executed correctly, we could see more great devices from ZTE in the future.
The final announcement from ZTE was regarding their popular protection plan, Axon Passport. Axon Passport 2.0 will offer a couple of new features that were not available previously; Unlimited Out of Warranty Repairs, Total Assistance, Replacement Assistance.
Through Axon Passport 2.0, users will now enjoy a free two-year protection plan which will cover any repairs outside of the traditional manufacturers warranty. ZTE notes that there is limit on the number of requests that can be made in that two-year period.
Total Assistance and Replacement Assistance are for those of you looking to upgrade from your current unlocked ZTE devices. If you’re in the market for one of ZTE’s awesome Axon phones, the company will let you trade in your current ZTE unlocked device and use the credit towards the purchase. You can only apply a credit of up to $100 towards the purchase of an Axon device, but hey, something’s better than nothing.
Replacement Assistance is for those that travel Internationally. If you’re traveling abroad and your device is lost or stolen, ZTE will issue a $100 credit towards the purchase of a new device. While not absolving the cost completely, it’s pretty awesome to see ZTE try and help out where they can when times get tough.
While the devices that were announced today aren’t earth-shattering, it’s still pretty awesome to see the latest budget devices that are coming out. Maybe we are getting closer to a time where the $600-$700 devices don’t rule the market, and budget devices become the norm.
Drop us a line below and let us know what you think about today’s announcements from ZTE, and whether you’re starting to consider more budget devices instead of those high-priced flagships.
[df-subtitle]The brand gets fashionable on back of rising awareness and market share[/df-subtitle]
Huawei went all out today at CES 2016, unleashing information for a barrage of devices specifically for the U.S. market. It even threw in a Gold variant of the Nexus 6P for good measure. Let’s run through what Huawei has in store for us this Spring.
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Phones
If you don’t remember the Huawei G8 from last year, that’s okay. It wasn’t a big hitter, like the Mate S or P8, but still a great metal-unibody offering. Therefore, Huawei felt that the budget U.S. market could use a piece of the action.
Today, Huawei unveiled a variant of the G8 for the U.S. – the GX8.
Despite the changed moniker, we’re essentially getting the same specs that the G8 packed (except the predictable change in SoC, from MediaTek to Qualcomm, and U.S. connectivity bands):
5.5″ 1080P LCD display
Snapdragon 615 (octa-core running at 1.5 GHz) SoC
2GB of RAM
16GB of internal storage (expandable up to 128GB via microSD)
13MP rear and 5MP front cameras
3,000 mAh battery
Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
It’s a bummer that the RAM dropped to 2GB from the 3GB in the G8. However, Huawei hopes that the GX8’s price tag will most capture your attention – at $349. The GX8 will be available from Amazon, BestBuy.com, and GetHuawei.com in Q1 2016.
The GX8 isn’t the only phone announcement though. Huawei recognized that the Nexus 6P was missing a color offering that the market loves to see – Gold. And especially with a metal-unibody build, Huawei doesn’t want to miss that boat, even when it’s a couple months late.
The Gold-colored Nexus 6P will be available in 32GB and 64GB models. Huawei has partnered with BestBuy for its availability (either in-store or online). But you’ll also be able to order with from the Google Store beginning Jan. 5th.
Tablet
Huawei’s newest tablet is the MediaPad M2 10.0, and it also has a full-metal body. It’s a 10.1″ sized tablet with a couple tricks up its sleeve. Firstoff is the focus on audio.
The M2 packs four speaker “positioned to deliver premium sound quality”. The speakers are backed by numerous sound enhancing features: an Intelligent Power Amplifier, Clari-fi Audio Restoration, and SWS 2.0 Surround Sound. What’s more, it is tuned by the well-renouned audio manufacturer Harman/Kardon.
Spec-wise, we’re looking at a mid/high-end tablet. The 10.1″ IPS LCD packs FHD worth of pixels. Huawei didn’t say what is powering the M2, only that it’s a “high-performance CPU and graphics processor”. There will be two variant configurations – a 16GB ROM/2GB RAM or 64GB ROM/3GB ROM model.
The MediaPad M2 10.0 will also drop in Q1 2016. There will be WiFi and LTE options for both variants:
16GB ROM/2GB RAM WiFi: $349, LTE: $399
64GB ROM/3GB RAM WiFi: $419, LTE: $469
The base model will come in Silver, while the boosted model will have a Gold option and an active stylus, dubbed the M-Pen and that offers a “Pen-like writing experience”.
Smartwatches
Huawei hasn’t updated the Huawei Watch yet, but rather, introduced two new variants. The Elegant and Jewel raise the bar on smartwatch design. Huawei says the these two new fashion-centric watches deliver “a beautiful blend of statement style and modern edge.”
Huawei Elegant (Left) and Jewel (Right)
[blockquote author=”Huawei”]Both feature the latest version of Android Wear™; iOS and Android compatibility; scratch-resistant, two-layer Sapphire crystal; and 316L cold-forged stainless steel bodies. And while they maintain the much-admired round face and body, Elegant features a distinctive top ring design on a rose-gold plated body, and Jewel features 68 Swarovski Zirconia encircling the face. To further match their distinctive look, Elegant and Jewel will both come with a selection of exclusive watch faces.[/blockquote]
The Elegant and Jewel will also be available in the U.S. in Q1 2016, at $499 and $599, respectively.
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What do you think about Huawei’s event? Are you enticed by any of these upcoming devices or are you underwhelmed?
[toggles title=”Huawei Press Release”]
HUAWEI UNVEILS NEW PHONES, WEARABLES AND TABLETS AT CES 2016
US product line-up offers premium design, high-end materials and cutting-edge technology
Las Vegas, NV [Jan. 5, 2016]: Making good on its commitment to bring products from Huawei’s global portfolio to the United States, Huawei Device USA today announced four products bound for U.S. consumers in the coming months. At an International CES 2016 press conference earlier today, Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, unveiled new versions of the Huawei Watch, a new color option for the popular Nexus 6P, the MediaPad M2 10.0 tablet and the Huawei GX8 smartphone.
“At Huawei, we are committed to expertly blending the latest technology in stylish, premiumlooking devices that exhibit our innovation and design expertise,” said Yanyan Ji, vice president, head of marketing for Huawei Device USA. “As we expand our portfolio in the United States, consumers can expect the quality and style of flagship products to appear in devices throughout our portfolio.”
Huawei Watch – Elegant & Jewel
Two new Huawei Watch models featuring a sleek, fashionable design were introduced, expanding the number of Huawei Watch models in the United States to eight. Named Elegant and Jewel, the two new styles deliver the same timeless, uncompromising style and functionality that generated accolades for the original models launched this past fall. But the new Elegant and Jewel Huawei Watches differ by delivering a beautiful blend of statement style and modern edge.
Like the existing Huawei Watch models, the new watches are inspired by classic, high-end wristwatch design and crafted with premium materials. Both feature the latest version of Android Wear™; iOS and Android compatibility; scratch-resistant, two-layer Sapphire crystal; and 316L cold-forged stainless steel bodies. And while they maintain the much-admired round face and body, Elegant features a distinctive top ring design on a rose-gold plated body, and Jewel features 68 Swarovski Zirconia encircling the face. To further match their distinctive look, Elegant and Jewel will both come with a selection of exclusive watch faces.
Huawei Watch Elegant and Jewel will be available in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2016.
Gold-colored Nexus 6P
Huawei also announced the availability of the exquisite gold-colored Nexus 6P, a luxurious new color variation of the innovative smartphone launched earlier this year. The new color option gives consumers a fashionable choice in addition to the already released aluminum (silver), graphite (black), and frost (white) options.
Gold-colored versions of Nexus 6P will be available in 32GB and 64GB models and will be available at BestBuy.com, select Best Buy stores and the Google Store, beginning Jan. 5.
Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0
Huawei’s newest tablet, MediaPad M2 10.0, offers a fantastic audio and visual experience. Built to impress, the MediaPad M2 10.0 delights with an aluminum alloy, full-metal body, precisioncrafted curved edges and a rich, sandblasted finish.
Its slim, 7.35mm body features an embedded camera and four speakers, positioned to deliver premium sound quality. The high-power speakers also feature an Intelligent Power Amplifier, Clari-fi Audio Restoration and SWS 2.0 Surround Sound, tuned by leading audio brand Harman/Kardon for stunning, rich sound. Coupled with a 10.1-inch, full HD IPS display, and a high-performance CPU and graphics processor, MediaPad M2 10.0 delivers amazing entertainment experiences in any light.
The 16GB ROM/2GB RAM model of Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 will be available in silver color. The 64GB ROM/3GB RAM model will be available in gold color and will be bundled with an active stylus. Both will be available in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2016.
Huawei GX8
The stylish Huawei GX8 stands out from the crowd with a beautiful, aluminum uni-body design. Featuring a scratch-resistant 5.5-inch, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen and innovative fingerprint security, GX8 brings beauty, balance and function to your life.
Its industry-leading fingerprint sensor delivers a 94 percent unlock success rate, so you can access the GX8 quickly and confidently. Superb connectivity and a powerful, 3000 mAH battery make the GX8 a true powerhouse.
Available for just $349.99 USD in gold, gray and silver, Huawei GX8 will be available at BestBuy.com, select Best Buy stores, GetHuawei.com and Amazon.com in the first quarter of 2016.
On the surface, this is another good-looking metal-built phone. It’s only until you see Huawei’s asking price when you get the eye-opener: $199. Now, under that perspective, I can start to impress you with everything this ambitious phone packs.
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