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Samsung Galaxy S7 may come in 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch screen variants

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If recent reports are anything to go by, Samsung’s next Galaxy flagship will come in two screen sizes, quite akin to Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6S. The current Galaxy flagship comes in two variants – the flat screened Galaxy S6 and the curved screened-Galaxy S6 Edge. According to South Korea’s ET News, the successor to the Galaxy S6 will come with a 5.2-inch screen, whereas the Galaxy S7 Edge will have a 5.5-inch display.

Earlier, we had informed you that Samsung could release its Galaxy S7 with two different processor types. These rumors still to seem to have a head of steam.  Allegedly, some markets will see the Samsung Exynos 8890 processor with others getting the Snapdragon 820.

The report further states that the Korean electronic giant is already planning to start the production of around 3.3 million Galaxy S7 units and 1.6 million S7 Edge units. According to the reports, mass-production will commence in February.

While the current Galaxy flagship comes in two screen styles (flat and curved), both the devices share the same 5.1-inch display. The Galaxy S6 Edge+, which is the larger brother of the Galaxy S6 Edge, features a 5.7-inch screen size.

The Galaxy S7, which might be released in March, is likely to feature a pressure-sensitive screen – which is comparable to Apple’s 3D Touch feature.

Via: The Verge

Don’t know what to spend those gift cards on? Here are our recommended gadget deals

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Now that Xmas is over, you may have a stack of gift cards that you don’t quite know what to use for. Gift cards have been selling at a record breaking pace and you will want to make sure they don’t get forgotten about and expired. We are here to guide you into spending your money wisely with some of the best products and coolest deals from Amazon.com.

There are just so many things to buy, so we have curated a comprehensive list of some of today’s compelling gadget offerings. Let’s get to it!

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Google Nexus 6P by Huawei, 32GB Graphite – $499

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Link

Device details:

  • 5.7-inch AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touchscreen
  • Android v6.0 (Marshmallow), Quad-Core 1.55 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-Core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A57 Processor, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 81, Adreno 430 Graphics
  • 12 Megapixel Camera (4608 x 2592 pixels) w/ Autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash + Front-facing 8 Megapixel Camera
  • Internal Memory: 32GB, 3GB RAM

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BLU Pure XL Unlocked Smartphone, 4G LTE GSM, 64GB and 3GB RAM – $349

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Device details:

  • 6.0″ Wide Quad HD (2560 x 1400) Super AMOLED display transforms the smartphone visual experience at 4 times the resolution of HD + Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Mediatek Helio x10 64-bit 2.0 GHz Octa-Core Processor; enhanced viewing experience powered by MiraVision(TM) Picture Quality Engine, Android L v5.1
  • 24MP Main Camera featuring an f/2.3 sensor with sapphire + 6P lens, real-time HDR, and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and 8MP autofocus wide -Angle Front Camera
  • 64 GB Internal Memory with 3G RAM. Micro SD Slot up to 64GB. Fingerprint Sensor and NFC supported
  • 4G LTE, (2/4/7/17), 4G HSPA+ (850/1700/1900/2100). GSM Quad Band: US Compatibility Nationwide on all GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Straight Talk, Pure Talk USA, and others

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Sony Xperia C5 Ultra 16GB Unlocked Smartphone (GSM/LTE) – $299

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Device details:

  • Two 13MP cameras – capture superior pictures, selfies, and videos, wherever you look.
  • High-quality selfies with selfie flash- light up the whole image, from corner to corner.
  • 6″ full HD display with ultra-thin bezel- enjoy a large screen with mobile BRAVIA engine 2 gives you enhanced sharpness and contrast for immersive viewing.
  • Wireless freedom- SIM Unlocked, no contracts or commitment to any carriers. Compatible with GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile and cellular network providers utilizing GSM network such as: Straight Talk, MetroPCS, Simple Mobile, Brightspot, Net10, h20 Wireless, and Cricket Wireless.

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Amazon Fire Tablet, 7″ Display, 8GB (includes special offers) – $49

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Device details:

  • Beautiful 7″ IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600) and fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Rear and front-facing cameras.
  • All-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free – including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs and more
  • Enjoy more than 38 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, apps and games
  • 8 GB of internal storage. Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Add a microSD card for up to 128 GB of additional storage.
  • Updated user interface – Fire OS 5 designed for quick access to your apps and content plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites
  • Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music
  • Stay connected with fast web browsing, email, and calendar support

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, 9.7″ Display, 32GB (Black) – $374

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Device details:

  • Android 5.0 (Lollipop) OS, 9.7″ 2048×1536 (QXGA) Super AMOLED
  • Quad 1.9GHz + Quad 1.3GHz, Octacore application processor
  • 32 GB Flash Memory, 3 GB RAM Memory
  • 0.85 pounds

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Nvidia Shield Tablet, 8″ Display, 16GB (Tegra K1 Processor) – $199

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Device details:

  • More ways to game with Android games and GeForce NOW cloud gaming service.
  • Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, featuring a 192-core NVIDIA Kepler GPU and 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU.
  • Full HD 1080p, 8-inch display, and dual-front facing speakers for incredible video and sound.
  • MicroSD slot provides expandable storage up to 128 GB.
  • The optional tablet cover and SHIELD controller make SHIELD tablet K1 the ultimate tablet for gamers.
  • More Ways to Game with Android Games and Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Service
  • Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 Processor, Featuring a 192-core NVIDIA Kepler GPU and 2.2 Ghz Quad-core CPU

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SanDisk Ultra 200GB MicroSD Card (Class 10) – $79

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Device details:

  • Ideal for premium Android-based smartphones and tablets
  • Transfer up to 1200 photos a minute with premium transfer speed of up to 90MB/s
  • Holds up to 20 hours of Full HD video
  • Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback
  • Water proof, temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof and magnet proof
  • Comes with SD adapter for use in MIL cameras

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GoPro HERO4 Session Camera – $199

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Device details:

  • Smallest, lightest GoPro yet
  • Durable and waterproof to 33′ (10m), no housing needed
  • Easy one-button control, power up and capture videos or photos with a single press
  • Professional quality up to 1440p30, 1080p60 and 720p100 video
  • 8MP photos with 10 fps Burst

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Amazon Echo – $179

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Device details:

  • Plays all your music from Prime Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more using just your voice
  • Fills the room with immersive, 360º omni-directional audio
  • Allows hands-free convenience with voice-control
  • Hears you from across the room with far-field voice recognition, even while music is playing
  • Answers questions, reads audiobooks and the news, reports traffic and weather, gives info on local businesses, provides sports scores and schedules, and more with Alexa, a cloud-based voice service
  • Controls lights and switches with compatible WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, and other connected devices
  • Always getting smarter and adding new features and skills–over 95 added since launch

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Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear Headphones – $98.30

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Device details

  • Samsung Galaxy model using newly designed, tangle-free oval cable featuring 3-button in-line remote with integrated microphone
  • Custom machined, low resonance stainless steel housing deliver a detailed and accurate sound
  • High-quality dynamic transducers produce high output level with low distortion
  • In ear canal design provides excellent attenuation of ambient noise. Multiple sized ear tips included insuring a personalized fit

Our review of the Momentum In-Ear

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Over-Ear Headphones – $128

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Device details:

  • Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
  • Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • 90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring, professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort. Detachable cable

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Samsung Gear VR – Virtual Reality Headset – $99

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Device details:

  • Works with Samsung Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge
  • Light weight so you can play and watch more comfortably
  • Easy to use touch pad

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Huawei Watch – Starting at $299

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Device details:

  • 1.4″ full circle AMOLED display with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and stainless steel body
  • Compatible with most devices with an iOS 8.2 or Android 4.3 or later operating system
  • Get notifications and alerts for calls, texts, and apps with over 4000 Android Wear apps to choose from
  • A variety of pre-installed watch faces and easily swappable bands for your own unique style
  • Accurate fitness tracking with enhanced heart rate monitor and sensors to track running, walking, and more

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Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch (Classic) – $299

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Device details:

  • Classic style with a ceramic bezel and 20mm Genuine leather band
  • Intuitive circular interface and rotating bezel for easy navigation
  • Access to important notifications, texts, and updates at a glance
  • Compatible with most Android Devices.
  • Wireless charging dock included

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Naim Mu-So Wireless Music System – $1299

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Device details:

  • UPnPTM (Universal Plug ‘n’ Play); AirPlay ; Bluetooth
  • Control volume, light settings, room modes, create playlists and activate multiroom. Almost every as
  • Internet Radio ; USB ; Digital Input (Optical)
  • Spotify Connect

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Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation – $249

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Device details:

  • Auto-Schedule. No more programming. With auto-schedule, Nest learns from you and programs itself
  • Auto-Away. Don’t heat or cool an empty home. Auto-away adjusts the temperature after you leave
  • Remote control. With the Nest app, you can change the temperature, check energy history and get an alert if your home is too hot or cold
  • Screen: 24-bit colour LCD, 480 x 480 resolution at 229 pixels per inch (PPI), 5.3 cm diameter
  • Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 802.15.4 @ 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
  • Built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery

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Nest Cam Security Camera – $182

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Device details:

  • 24/7 live video streaming – See your home on your phone in 1080p HD. And control Nest Cam from anywhere
  • Alerts on your phone – Get motion and sound alerts so you know if anything happens
  • Night Vision done right – See the whole room at night – not just a limited spotlight view
  • Talk and listen – Hear the baby. Or talk back to get someone’s attention
  • Quick, easy setup – Plug in Nest Cam and download the Nest app to get started. No hub needed
  • Don’t miss a thing – Subscribe to Nest Aware to get 24/7 continuous recording and powerful cloud algorithms that give you personalized alerts. Every camera comes with a free 30-day trial

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Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid – $149

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Device details:

  • Authentic Movement: Guide your BB-8 with a smartphone or tablet
  • Listens & Responds: BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice
  • Holographic Messaging: Record and view virtual holographic videos with BB-8
  • Autonomous Behavior: BB-8 has a mind of its own – explore the Star Wars galaxy together
  • Adaptive Personality: Your BB-8’s unique attitude and actions evolve as you interact
  • Authentic Movement: Guide your BB-8 with a smartphone or tablet
  • Listens & Responds: BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice

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Amazon Prime Membership – $99

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Details:

Receive all the benefits of Amazon Prime including FREE Two-Day Shipping for eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library for $99 a year.

The benefits include:

  • FREE Two-Day Shipping on eligible items to addresses in the contiguous U.S. and other shipping benefits. For more information, go to  Amazon Prime Shipping Benefits.
  • FREE Same-Day Delivery in eligible zip codes. For more information, go to Order with Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery.
  • Prime Instant Video: unlimited streaming of movies and TV episodes for paid or free trial members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to  About Prime Instant Video.
  • Prime Music: unlimited, ad-free access to hundreds of Prime Playlists and more than a million songs for members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to About Prime Music.
  • Prime Photos: Secure unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive. For more information, go to About Prime Photos.
  • Prime Pantry: Access to Prime Pantry, where members can purchase and ship to addresses in the contiguous U.S. low priced grocery, household, and pet care items for a flat delivery fee of $5.99 for each Prime Pantry box. Prime Pantry orders cannot be shipped to addresses in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
  • Amazon Elements: Access to Amazon Elements products, Amazon’s own line of everyday essentials.
  • Prime Early Access: Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.com and new events on MyHabit.com. For more information, go to About Prime Early Access.
  • Kindle Owners’ Lending Library: access to members in the U.S. For more information, go to Kindle Owners’ Lending Library
  • Kindle First: Early access for members in the U.S. to download a new book for free every month from the Kindle First picks. For more information, go to Kindle First.
  • Video Add-On Subscriptions: Members can purchase Video Add-on Subscriptions to premium content providers. Browse available Video Add-on Subscriptions, or manage your existing subscriptions.
  • Deals and Discounts, Compliments of Amazon Family: These include 20% off diapers through Subscribe & Save and 15% off eligible products from your baby registry. For more information go to Get 20% off Diaper Subscriptions or About the Completion Discount.
  • Membership Sharing: Two adults living in the same household can create an Amazon Household to share certain Amazon Prime benefits. For more information, go to About Amazon Households.

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Bear in mind that these prices are subject to change. Happy after-Xmas shopping!

HTC unveils the affordable but powerful One X9

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We knew it was coming. Last week, HTC’s newest handset, the One X9, bared all in a leaked photo shoot. The Taiwanese manufacturer has now decided to let the cat out of the bag.

HTC-One-X9_official

The suspicions about the One X9 were on point. As of late, HTC has been focusing on strong midrange smartphones (see One A9) and the X9 lines up with that strategy. Let’s take a look at the specs:

  • Display: 5.5″ 1080P
  • SoC: MediaTek Helio X10 (octa-core, 2.2GHz) and 3GB of RAM
  • Storage: 32GB on-board and microSD expandable up to 2TB
  • Camera: 13MP rear (OIS, f/2.0 aperture) and 5MP front (f/2.0)
  • Battery: 3,000 mAh

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HTC doesn’t specify the display technology in the X9. The A9 uses an AMOLED panel, so we can make a guess. Additionally, we don’t know what version of Android the X9 will ship with, but Marshmallow supplemented with the latest HTC Sense UI would be a good guess.

The reversion back to capacitive navigation buttons is certainly interesting. HTC may feel like it’s a cleaner look than with the infamous black logo bar. Lastly, BoomSound makes a return. The X9 packs dual, front stereo speakers that are enhanced with Dolby Audio.

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If you like what you see, it’s unfortunate that we have no idea if the One X9 will be offered worldwide. We only know that it’s slated for the Chinese market. The X9 will launch at 2,399 yuan (~ $370 USD), which is no doubt a great value.

Source: HTC

Google is gifting The Beatles to Android users this Holiday season

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Just in time for Christmas, The Beatles are set to stream on Google Play and a number of other streaming services, including Slacker, Microsoft Groove etc. A Google blog post says that 13 of Beatles’ original albums, plus four essential Beatles collections, will be available to stream on Google Play Music beginning on December 24th.

Before the 24th, The Beatles’ music was not available in digital format for Android users as Apple had exclusive rights to sell it. Now that the best-selling band is available for Android users, Google seems completely taken over by “Beatlemania” and dedicated an easter egg to it. If you ask your Android phone, “Ok Google, play the Beatles,” it will promptly reply: Let it stream.

Let’s take a look at some of the top searched Beatles albums, according to Google Trends:

Beatles

And here are the top searched Beatles lyrics:

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Are you excited that the band which has 20 number one Billboard Hot top 100 hits, has made its’ way to Google Play Music? Drop us a line and let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.

Source: Google Blog

Check out NVIDIA’s 12 days of Christmas deals for the SHIELD

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It is Christmas Eve and there is a good chance you’re enjoying time off of school and/or work. NVIDIA is kicking off  its 12 days of Christmas with a sale of games that can be used on its SHIELD devices which are designed to handle games with PC like quality.
So enjoy your egg nog, turkey, prime rib and desserts while getting your game on. The holidays are for relaxing and having fun.
Here is NVIDIA’s entire list of games on sale:

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (50% off – 12/24- 12/28 only)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, next-generation open world role-playing game set in a visually stunning fantasy universe full of meaningful choices and impactful consequences. In The Witcher you play as the professional monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia, tasked with finding a child of prophecy in a vast open world rich with merchant cities, viking pirate islands, dangerous mountain passes, and forgotten caverns to explore.


Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power (50% off)

In Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power, Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight, and Zoya the Thief have slowly come to the conclusion that having their lives commandeered by a powerful magical artifact is not a desirable state of existence on a permanent basis. The three heroes try to return their extraordinary gifts to the Artifact called Trine, and so they meddle with powers beyond their understanding. Trine shatters. With a literally heartless ancient sorcerer on the loose, and only a broken artifact to guide them, the heroes must try and repair the damage they’ve caused… or the damage that might yet be done. Trine 3 is a fairytale of a grand adventure as well as the additional challenge levels provide true tests to the heroes’ skills in combat and of solving puzzles in the most creative ways. Playable either in single player, and with friends online or in local co-op.


Sublevel Zero (25% off)

Sublevel Zero is a first-person roguelike six-degree-of-freedom shooter set in a universe where reality is falling apart. Take control of a lone gunship pilot whose mission is to loot and craft ancient technology. Descend into a vast underground facility, fighting through procedurally generated zero gravity environments to recover the technology you and your clan need to survive. Includes Steam digital key for PC download.


Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas (50% off)

Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas is an action/adventure game with a strong story and vibrant, detailed graphics. Your father has disappeared and you must explore the islands, and dungeons, of Uncharted Seas to try to find clues to his whereabouts. Along the way you’ll fight enemies, learn to use magic, and discover all sorts of helpful loot—and face-off with the sea monster Oceanhorn.

Don’t Slip On These Android Game Deals!

While the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV is a great device for streaming AAA-caliber PC titles to your TV or SHIELD tablet you really can’t beat it when it comes to playing Android games. With that in mind, be sure to jump on these deals.


Never Alone (60% off)

E-Line Media and developer Fair Play Labs have brought the unique puzzle platform game, Never Alone, to Android devices, including NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV. Originally created by Alaskan developer Upper One Games for PC and next gen consoles, the game puts players in control of Iñupiat girl Nuna and her Arctic fox companion as they traverse the frozen landscapes of Alaska in the hopes of restoring balance and ending the eternal blizzard. The game’s spread out over eight chapters and blends Alaskan Native folklore into stores like Blizzard Man, the Little People, Manslayer, the Rolling Deads, and the Sky People. There’s also a co-op gameplay mode that allows each player to take control of one of the characters.


Whispering Willows (60% off)

In Whispering Willows, young Elena Elkhorn embarks on a harrowing journey to find her missing father and discover the secrets of the Willows Mansion. Aiding her journey is a unique amulet, she received from her father, which allows her to astral project her spirit into a ghostly-realm and communicate with the dead. Play as Elena to find her missing father, use your astral projection to solves the mansion’s tricks and puzzles, help the lingering souls and discover so much more in this exciting adventure game.


Q.U.B.E.: Director’s Cut (50% off)

As featured on the SHIELD Hub, Q.U.B.E.: Director’s Cut is the definitive version of the brain-twisting first-person puzzler. Using special high-tech gloves to manipulate cubes in the environment, the player solves an array of conundrums – from physics-based challenges; to 3D jigsaws; to platform-based trials. Play it on NVIDIA SHIELD.


>The Battle of Sol (50% off)

In The Battle of Sol, Earth had become toxic and unsafe for human life by the year 2500. Pollution and overpopulation had ravaged the planet, forcing humanity to the stars. Colonies and settlements soon sprung up across the solar system, but man had not left its thirst for war behind. Then, they learned the Sun was dying, and everything changed. Only when faced with a threat greater than each other did the nations of man finally come together. The United Colonies of SOL (UCS) was born, its first and only mission: to locate a new home for mankind, safely beyond the doomed borders of our solar system.


Chariot (50% off)

Chariot is a humorous, physics-based couch co-op platformer in which a brave Princess and her Fiancé carry a funeral wagon through ancient caves, fending off swarms of looters while amassing riches, to bury the King’s remains in a worthy, gold-filled tomb. If only his majesty would keep quiet… The chariot’s large wheels and long tethers allow the heroes to reach higher ground, swing across chasms and perform all sorts of impressive maneuvers.


Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved (50% Off)

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved includes all of the great content & features from Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions and more. Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!


Heckabomb (50% off)

Heckabomb is a twin-stick space bound shooter that recalls classics like Asteroids, but has some cool modern updates and ideas. Aliens have destroyed your home planet, and the only artifact to survive, a doomsday weapon called the Heckabomber, is loaded for revenge. You sail from enemy world to enemy world, turn the planets into rubble, and then glean the wreckage for upgrades to your personal Death Star. It’s a bit of a dark task, all things told, but undeniably fun.


Pure Pool (50% off)

The power of Tegra K1 allows Pure Pool to really shine with high resolution, realistic reflections and refractions, highly detailed pool table and surroundings and to top it all off, post processing effects like bloom and depth of field. All these combined make Pure Pool look stunning on Tegra K1 and provides you with the ultimate pool experience. Experience a pool hall from the convenience of your living room – all wrapped up in VooFoo Studios signature jaw-dropping visuals!


Killing Floor Calamity (50% off)

Killing Floor: Calamity is a re-imagined Arcade Shooter version of the original Killing Floor, the hugely successful and multi-million unit selling, multi-award winning PC First Person Shooter. This exciting action game takes place in the devastated cities and countryside of England, after a series of cloning experiments for the military goes horribly wrong. You are a member of the military, dropped into these locations with a simple mission: survive long enough to cleanse the area of the failed experiments. The only problem is, these “experiments” aren’t waiting to be taken out – they’re coming for YOU!

If you don’t already have a unit, get your NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV or NVIDIA SHIELD tablet K1 at Amazon.com.

Source – NVIDIA

SmartPixel screen recorder is a great app that’s easy to use [review]

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A prominent feature of gaming today is the ability to record your gameplay for yourself or to share with others. SmartPixel screen recorder by GoPlay stands as one of the best options if you’re looking for an app to record what you’re doing on your phone or tablet.

Overview

SmartPixel is said to be compatible with all Android 4.0 devices and up, although I have not tested on the latest Android 6.0.1. When the app is launched, a small icon is shown where ever you are in your phone to quickly activate the screen recording. From this icon, you can instantly start recording, open up the main app, or head straight to watching your recent recorded videos, which is also included in the main app. Recording whatever you’re doing is quick and simple, but unfortunately the small logo you press to activate recording is still present in the finalized video, which can be annoying for serious game streamers. However it’s not uncommon for a free app to show just a little bit of pride for their service.

Once you have you’re video recorded, you’re directed to the “Upload Video” section of the app that allows you to trim the video as well as name it, tag the game and give a brief description for when you upload to GoPlay, a video streaming service dedicated to game streaming and interaction between gamers. As you begin to upload your video (should you choose to), you can bind your GoPlay account to YouTube and Facebook in the process for quick sharing between your accounts. I was surprised by how easy and quick it was for the video to go live on GoPlay and be viewed by other gamers interested in the game you tagged.

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In comparison…

But how does SmartPixel compare to other screen recording apps? A brief answer to this would be quite well, but it’s not the best. The top screen recording app on Google Play, AZ Screen Recording, offers a few more features, including the ability to select your video’s framerate before recording, which is something I really like. By default, SmartPixel records videos in “HD” 640p, slightly below the standard 720p HD. Nonetheless, you can bump up the recording resolution to what the app calls “Ultra HD” 720p. This can be misleading due to the confusion of what Ultra HD is, but it certainly doesn’t mean 720p.

But the main problem is not being able to record at a higher 1920x1080p resolution (if your phone has this screen resolution) and choose a higher framerate, like you can in AZ Screen Recorder. Much of today’s smartphone hardware is more than capable of recording at higher resolutions and framerates than what SmartPixel allows. For a sample of how videos look in 720p with this app, hit the link here for a quick test video I made playing Contre Jour

Overall, SmartPixel does exactly what it needs to do, and is an excellent companion app to GoPlay’s video streaming service.

What we like

  • Minimal steps to record video and upload it
  • No ads
  • Easy to use interface

What could be better

  • Option for higher resolution and framerate recording
  • Poor audio quality without the option to increase it
  • Not as many features as competition

You can download SmartPixel screen recorder for FREE at the Google Play Store here.

 

 

How To: Disable and enable Binge On for T-Mobile

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Announced in early November, T-Mobile’s Binge On service gives customers unlimited video streaming access to a number of major services. Specifically, if you stream video from companies such as HBO, Hulu, Netflix, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, STARZ, or WatchESPN, the used data will not count against your monthly allotment. Sounds awesome right? Well, there’s a slight catch.

See, even though the services are delivered at DVD quality, it’s ultimately streaming to you at 480 pixels (or better). What about when you want a 720p or 1080p quality video to watch on that gorgeous smartphone? Well, as it turns out, you can hop in and out of the Binge On feature at will.

Indeed, you can opt to watch streaming video at its full potential resolution and then return to Binge On afterwards. Want to get in on Making a Murderer on Netflix at full capable resolution? Disable Binge On and then turn it back on when you’re done.

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Toggling Binge On on and off is actually quite a simple process and one that a lot of you might not be aware of. Here’s how to go about enabling and disabling Binge On in a few simple steps.

  1. Log into My T-Mobile
  2. Click on Profile (top right corner of page)
  3. Look under Phone Controls for Binge On (left half of page)
  4. Turn off or turn on Binge On

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T-Mobile does make it really easy to do this and we applaud them for it. It’s nice to know that we can turn this on and off at will, without having to call customer service or wait a set period for it to take effect.

 

A kids tablet: Kurio Xtreme 2 Review

When the first tablets hit the market, they were ridiculously expensive and delicate. No doubt about it, they were not designed for kids. Nowadays, tablets are cheaper, and there is a plethora of content geared towards children now available.

Enter the kids tablet to the market, or as I like to call it, the babysitter. Of course, I’m kidding, but there is something to be said for a device that keep your kid’s attention for more than one minute.

In this review, I will be looking at the Kurio Xtreme 2 from two perspectives. My perspective, the perspective of an adult, and the perspective of my 2 children.

Kurio Xtreme 2 overview

The Kurio Xtreme 2 is a tablet that is made for children. It comes with a rubber bumper cover to help protect it from drops and a unique removable back panel that will allow you to prop the tablet up in a landscape orientation.

Specs:

  • Display: 7-inch capacitive touch screen, 5-point touch
  • Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels
  • Chipset: Mediatek MTK8127 Quad-Core
  • Operating System: Androidâ„¢ 5.0 Lollipop®
  • Storage Memory: 16GB
  • Ram: 1GB
  • Camera: Front: 0.3 Mpx / Rear: 2.1 Mpx
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 802,11 b/g/n – Bluetooth v4.0 – Micro HDMI
  • Speakers: 1 x 1W mono
  • Languages: Supports multi languages
  • USB Connection: Micro USB 2.0 – OTG support
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer battery 2820 mAh
  • Micro SDHC Card Slot: Add up to 32 GB of extra memory*

Kurio Xtreme 2 hardware

The hardware, unfortunately, is not that great. I know that it’s meant for kids, but there are some areas where it is apparent that they skimped in order to keep costs down. The first is the rubber tablet cover. It should protect the tablet fairly well when dropped, but this only happens when it drops flat or on one of the corners. The case does not cover the long  sides of the tablet and won’t protect it if it hits on the corner of stairs or any other edge. If you have kids, then you know about Murphy’s kid law. If it can be broken, it will be broken.

My other gripe is with the viewing angles of the screen. The screen looks great when viewed head on, but when tilted at an angle the screens colors will either wash out or darken. I think this bothers me more than my kids. At least, until they are all hovered around the tablet trying to watch the same thing.

The cameras are not very good in well-lit areas and are absolutely horrible in low light situations. I had a hard time, short of going outside during the day, to even get the motion games to recognize the movements.

The speaker is OK. It won’t win any prizes, but it delivers an acceptable level of volume and clarity.

The Mediatek MTK8127 provides a solid, lag free experience and is powerful enough to run all the pre-installed games.

Overall the tablet has a nice feel about it. The buttons have a satisfying click to them and the screen feels solid without too much flexing. There is a slight, hollow feeling to the back of the device, but this is mainly because the removable back panel.

Kurio Xtreme 2 software

The software is where the value of the device becomes more apparent. The Kurio Xtreme 2 runs Android 5.1 Lolipop. It’s not the latest and greatest, but it gets the job done and does it well. You have the option to set up to eight different child accounts on the device. The parent can even pick and choose which apps are available on which accounts.

The Xtreme 2 comes pre-loaded with over 60 apps and games designed with children in mind. There is also access to Google play and Kurio’s own, kid-centric app store to download more apps. Their app store requires that you use coins to purchase apps and games. The coins can be purchased in packs or can be earned by playing certain games. The real advantage here is that all the apps in their store are designed for kids.

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The parental controls are very comprehensive. They give the parent the ability control which apps the child can access and when they can access them. You can also choose whether or not they have access to the internet and whether or not to use their web filter. The web filter is pretty strict and by default will block access to all but one search engine. That search engine is kidrex.org which is powered by Google. You can, of course, deselect categories that you don’t want to be filtered, and you can whitelist and blacklist websites to override the selected categories. You can even block access to the USB port.

The Xtreme 2 comes with a bunch of preloaded games, but the games that they are most proud of are the motion games. Using the tablet’s front facing camera as a sort of Kinect-like device, the motion games can capture the movements of the child and use them to control the games. Unfortunately, there are two big drawbacks here. The first is that the camera’s resolution is so low that it becomes very hard to use. On top of the low resolution, the low light performance is horrendous.

The second drawback is that to use the motion games, you need to back up from the tablet, which makes the game harder to see. You can mirror the screen to a larger screen, either wirelessly or through the included HDMI port. This is the only way that the motion games make any sense, but you need to make sure there is plenty of light.

3 out of 5 stars

Overall this is not a bad little tablet. However, it’s not a great one either. It’s really tailored for children, and they are the only ones that will be forgiving of the hardware’s limitations. However, the device won’t be as forgiving of the children’s rough play because it is not as kid proof as I would like to see. Also, at $144 its kind of pricey. Other devices like Amazon’s new Fire Tablet for kids with their 2-year worry-free guarantee, may be a better option at a lower price.

Google running holiday deals on Play Store for movies, music, books and more

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I personally get a lot of my media content from the Play Store, so I love when Google randomly throws out a game sale or discount for movies or music. Since the holidays are among us, Google decided to have a wallop of deals on practically everything it offers on the Play Store. Let’s run through where you can save a few bucks.

Movies

If you go through this link, you’ll be able to redeem 75% off a movie rental. You’ll have to be logged into your Google account. It only works on one rental and you have until January 4th to redeem the discount.

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There are also a multitude of movies-to-own on sale. You may want to go through that list and see if one of your favorites has a big price cut.

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Music

Likewise, there’s a Play Store link for a discount on a music album. Click here and you’ll be able to redeem 50% off any album of your choice. This deal is also through Jan. 4th.

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If you’re not yet a Play Music subscriber, Google is allowing you to get a 3 months subscription for just $1. Check it out here. If you’re an existing subscriber, sorry, this deal is only for newcomers.

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Books

Google also has a big sale for books on the Play Store. You can check out that list here.

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If magazines are more your thing, those also have a collection of price cuts. Additionally, you can get a 3-month subscription to Newsstand for only $3.

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Games

The Play Store is no stranger to holding sales that slash the prices of games tremendously, and this holiday sale is no exception.

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You can find the list of the discounted games here, some as little as 10 cents. If you’re a fan of Minecraft, the Play Store has two of its games discounted here.

Bear in mind that Google’s holiday sale runs through Jan. 4th (until midnight), so don’t miss out!

Let’s hope 2016 brings more high-end compact phones

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2015 is wrapping up, and as we begin to pick our best smartphones of 2015, it’s clear that the majority of high-end phones this year range in the phablet territory, or 5.5 inches and above. This is no surprise either, as larger phones nowadays are typically the ones that contain the most features and best hardware. But there’s something about the handling and ease of use that I miss most from phones under five inches. I miss the ability to reach my notification bar without risking the destruction of my phone while I readjust my hand to get there. There’s just something nice about holding a smaller phone that gives me the feeling that I’m using a smartphone rather than a small tablet everywhere I go.

Before you think I’m insulting users of larger phones, you must know I’ve grown quite fond of phablets recently after using the Nexus 6P for awhile, even to the point where I didn’t notice it was a big phone. However once my time with the metal behemoth ended, I felt amazed when I held my Moto X 2nd gen. once again with a screen size of 5.2 inches. It was like holding an iPhone 4 after using a phone bigger than five inches. I couldn’t believe how compact it felt, and I loved it.

If you held a Galaxy S6 edge and a Galaxy S6 edge+ next to each other and asked me which one looked more premium, my answer might surprise you. It would be the same answer as if you asked a consumer during the flip phone era which looked better, the smaller or the bigger. We all remember how amazed we were about “camera phones” getting smaller and smaller, and perhaps it’s that same feeling I carry today. Why?

I’m impressed with how better hardware can be built into a smaller body. Between the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the smaller variant released this past spring, I think the original edge looks better because of the very similar hardware packed into a more compact and easy to use body.

s6edgeVSedgePlus

Do not fret though, as there are decent options this year for those looking for phones around five inches or under. The most notable include the HTC One A9, the One M9, the 2015 Moto G, the Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (definitely not in any certain order). What’s disappointing to see is that only a handful of manufacturers have launched truly premium compact devices, instead opting for higher end big phones.

I do have a feeling we will be seeing better compact devices this coming year. Smartphone companies must have taken notice at the reactions to recent launches like the five inch OnePlus X, or the joy from Nexus fans that Google was bringing back a smaller Nexus phone. Not to mention the continued success of Samsung with its relatively compact Galaxy S flagships, and Apple’s 4.7 inch iPhones. My point is, there’s still a craving for compact smartphones, and a very large part of the market is looking for something premium they can wrap one hand around.