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Droid Turbo 2 and Maxx 2 confirmed in leaked promo material

Josh Noriega
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There’s a great deal of anticipation for Motorola’s Droid variant of its 2015 flagship. That anticipation was exacerbated when the Motorola/Verizon invite went out to the press, because the companies stated that more than one Droid would be unveiled.

Since then, it’s been a mystery as to what that second device would be. We were all pretty sure that the primary device will be the successor to last year’s Droid Turbo.

Fortunately, now we have some more info, and creditable info at that. Promo pamphlets have been found and displayed for us, revealing good, prevalent details about both of the upcoming Droids.

droid_2

There a few good details to go over here, so let’s get to it. First, we now know what device will be accompanying the Turbo 2 – the Droid Maxx 2. Recall that the original Droid Maxx launched in 2013, and the selling point was a hefty battery. It seems like Motorola and Verizon decided that the market would love to see that focus on battery life once again. The pamphlet above states that the Maxx 2 can get 2 days of battery life.

Design-wise, we’re seeing a very similar phone to Motorola’s 2015 lineup. The info suggests that the back covers will be removable. Three colors of “shells” are shown. It would be disappointing if these are the only color options we get.

Next up are details about the Turbo 2. We see the confirmation of the “shatterproof” display that leaks have been going on about. Unfortunately, we don’t know anything else yet, like how Motorola plans to accomplish this.

Based on leaks, we have been under the assumption that the Turbo 2 will have access to Moto Maker this time (Motorola’s online customization tool). The following promo page backs that up.

droid_1

If you were a fan of last year’s ballistic nylon material, you’ll be happy to hear it will make a return and be included as a material option, along with leather. One other cool thing is that if you purchase the 64GB version of the Turbo 2, you’ll be allowed one free design refresh (assuming this means that you’ll be able to send the phone back to Motorola and choose a different custom design).

The promo material also details incentives to entice customers to swing Motorola’s way. If you trade in your current, good-working smartphone, you can get “up to $300 back” in the form of a Verizon gift card or account credit. But I wouldn’t get too giddy about that until you find out how much your particular phone would be worth in their system. Interestingly, for the Turbo 2, you can trade in a phone that has a cracked screen.

What do you think about the next Droid lineup? Have you been waiting for another Droid Maxx?

Source: Droid-Life

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Droid Turbo 2 teased on accessory manufacturer website

Josh Noriega
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The announcement of the new Motorola Droid devices is just around the corner. However, if you’re too antsy to wait, this news might help hold you over. Case manufacturer Qmadix has jumped the gun and outted a couple listings for the Droid Turbo 2.

qmadix_turbo_2

The device is only shown with the case installed, so we don’t have the best look at the chassis. However, we get a nice frontal view.

[row][double_paragraph]turbo_2_pic3[/double_paragraph][double_paragraph]turbo_2_pic2[/double_paragraph] [/row]

In comparison to the Moto X Pure, the bottom speaker grill appears to have been split into two (if that’s what they really are). On the back, Motorola is carrying over that metal accent that runs from the camera down to the logo dimple.

turbo_2_pic4

From the top and bottom image, we can see a standard microUSB port. The headphone jack isn’t centered on the top like on the Moto X.

This is all we have for now on the new Turbo 2. Based on previous leaks, we’re expecting a 5.43″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 21MP main camera, and 3,760mAh battery. Also, unlike the previous Turbo, this one is said to be customizable through Moto Maker.

Stay tuned for the Motorola/Verizon announcement on Oct. 27th! We’ll pass along any other trickles from leaks.

Source: Qmadix

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FXGuru is here to spook your Halloween! [App Review]

Jason Botha
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With Halloween just around the corner, you may be interested in an app or two that can bring some fun into the day. Today, we’re taking a look at FXGuru, a fantastic video effect app that does the job just right and can be used for all occasions to greatly liven up the experience.

Setup

FXGuru is a relatively simple app and requires minimal setup. In fact, the only setup required is in creating a new video with effects. From this, you can select the accuracy of the effect, a filter from the vast list of choices, and how the sound effects get incorporated.

You can also adjust the quality of the video, file size, and frame rate. All except the frame rate require an in-app purchase of any effect. So if you buy any other additional effect, they become unlocked.

Features

FXGuru is jam-packed with effects. Ninety-seven of them, to be precise. You can access about 30 effects for free, so don’t get too excited unless you’re planning to spend a bit. Nevertheless, the effects available without in-app purchasing should be enough for anyone and most situations.

So how exactly does it work? You select the effect from the list, point your camera at the scenery, and align the ground with the mesh on the screen. After recording, while keeping still for about 15 seconds (the time depends on the effect), the app processes it and spits out the video a few seconds later.

This is also not a half-baked app. I was initially skeptical at how decent and accurate the effects would turn out. However, I can confidently say that they are rather good for a mobile app. More so, you will not find effects capability like this elsewhere on the Play Store. The subject in the effect also looks realistic and like it’s actually touching the surface.

Along with the decent user interface, everything is a breeze to use. The sounds and music are kind of addicting. I would warn against using the app with volume on Halloween night!

What we liked:

  • Super sound effects and music
  • Easy to use
  • Professional-looking effects

And not so much…

  • Majority of effects are unlocked by paying
  • Takes long to download effects if you haven’t already

4.17 of out 5 stars

FXGuru certainly has something unique to offer. With expert effects, it should be on anyone’s list of apps, regardless of age. It guarantees a shot of fun, especially at Halloween!

You can find the download link and more details on the FXGuru app here

New Fallout Shelter update gives you cloud services, mystery sightings, and more

AndroidGuys
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Bethesda Software has just released an update to its Android app, Fallout Shelter. If you are unfamiliar with the game, then check out the Fallout Shelter app review. Up to this point, your post-apocalyptic experience has been pretty basic: provide shelter, electricity, water, food, explore the wasteland and grow your population. Now that you have had time to master the basics, it’s time for some challenges.

One of the biggest updates is you can now test your dweller’s skills in the new survival mode, which will allow different enemies into your vault. You will also have the joy of saving in the cloud. This will automatically setup through your google drive, making it easy to access your vault across multiple devices. Just make sure to check the cloud box next to your vault number, for it to upload.

Other updates include Russian language support and sightings of a mystery character from time to time. Whether this is a character that you can unlock, or if he just appears from time to time is unclear. There are also some updates that are exclusive to the Apple app store only. This doesn’t come as a big surprise, considering the game was available from Apple first. Check out the detailed video below.

What’s New

• New Vault-Tec network protocols are finally in place. Now you can save your Vault to the “cloud,” (no moisture condenser necessary!).
• Some Dwellers are reporting strange, some would even say mysterious, sightings in Vaults.
• Introducing Survival Mode! More danger, More glory. Make Vault-Tec proud!
• Support added for Russian-speaking Overseers.
• Continued general maintenance to the Vault simulation. Because when you speak, Vault-Tec listens!

[pb-app-box pname=’com.bethsoft.falloutshelter’ name=’Fallout Shelter’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

 

How To: Gift a Google Play Music subscription

Scott Webster
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Google has quietly introduced a new feature as part of its Play Music service which lets users offer up gifts. Said gifts come in the form of 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month subscriptions to Google Play Music All Access. Indeed, a few short steps separate you from pre-paying for all the music your friend could ever want. Here’s how to do it!

send_gift

Step 1

Inside of the Google Play Music web client, scroll to the bottom left. Just above the Trash and Settings is a new “Send gift” option. Clicking it takes you to a landing page; you can also just click the link directly, too.

Step 2

Choose which gift subscription you’d like to pay for. The rates shake out to $9.99 per month, regardless of which level you purchase.

gift_music2

Step 3

Fill in the appropriate information. Where’s it going? Who do you want it to say the gift is from? You also have 200 characters to use for any sort of message, too. When you’re ready, hit “continue”.

Step 4

Verify the information and enter your payment details. Send it!

Note that the recipient has the opportunity to decline the gift. If that happens, you can send it to someone else.

The OnePlus X makes an appearance, full details leak

Matt Adams
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The third phone from OnePlus has reared its head. The OnePlus X, the little brother to the OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 appeared on OppoMart this morning, revealing specs and a picture of the device.

The OnePlus X will run $249, making it the cheapest offering from the company that focuses on low cost, high performance phones. The X will be powered by the same Snapdragon 801 processor as the One last year, and will be clocked at 2.5GHz. The rest of the specs are below.

OnePlus X
Processor Snapdragon 801, 2.5Ghz
OS Oxygen OS based on Android 5.1
Display 5″, 1080p, 2.5D glass
RAM 3 GB
Storage 16/64GB
Main Camera 13MP
Front Camera 8MP
Battery 2450mAh
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n

The OnePlus X will use a Micro Sim and have two SIM slots, be unlocked for worldwide use (although you can’t use it on on CDMA carriers), and will be offered in multiple colors, according to OppoMart.

OnePlus X page

We recently saw the X pass through TENAA (the Chinese certification office) and we’ve been getting teasers on social media so the launch looks eminent. We’ve seen October 29th throw around several times.

Do you think that OnePlus can disrupt the budget market with the OPX? Let us know what you think about the new device with a flagship processor from two years ago.

Source: OppoMart via TheTimes

Carphone Warehouse offers a proper hands-on with the BlackBerry Priv

Andrew Myrick
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In the last few weeks, since the BlackBerry CEO confirmed and (awkwardly) showed off the new BlackBerry Priv, folks have been wondering what will be under the hood. Luckily, the folks over at Carphone Warehouse were able to get their hands on one, and have released a hands-on video of BlackBerry’s first Android device.

In addition to properly showing of the capabilities of the Priv, the folks at Carphone Warehouse have given everyone a full spec sheet.

  • 4-inch QHD (2560×1440) dual-curved AMOLED display, 540ppi
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 32GB of internal storage, microSD card support up to 2TB
  • 18-megapixel rear camera
  • 2-megapixel front camera
  • 3,410mAh battery
  • 147mm x 77.2mm x 9.4mm
  • Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

It’s up to you to decide whether this is a power-house device, or something that’s just another phone in the Android lineup. Now that you know the specs, you’ll probably want to see how the Priv performs, so here’s the awesome video from Carphone Warehouse that shows off the Priv.

In today’s day and age, finding a smartphone WITH a keyboard is a little far-fetched of an idea. However, BlackBerry users love their keyboards, and combined with their mobile Enterprise solutions, the Priv may be a slam dunk. While a few of us here at AndroidGuys are excited for the release, we’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the world feels about BlackBerry’s foray into the Android ecosystem.

Additionally, the Priv has been put up for pre-order by Carphone Warehouse before BlackBerry has even put the device up for pre-order. Currently, you can’t pre-order the Priv without a contract, but you can sign up for a contract through Vodaphone via the Carphone Warehouse pre-order page.

[graphiq id=”eqfccmFKItf” title=”BlackBerry Priv” width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/eqfccmFKItf” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/3626/BlackBerry-Priv” link_text=”BlackBerry Priv | SpecOut”]

In the meantime, drop us a line and let us know what you think about the BlackBerry Priv and whether you’re looking forward to it or not.

Source: Carphone Warehouse via Android Central

Using Android Pay at Jamba Juice will earn you an Android collectible

Matt Adams
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Are you craving a smoothie? Perhaps you want a tasty, healthy treat that? Head on over to Jamba Juice this weekend and you could earn yourself a free Android collectible if you use Android Pay to pay for your order.

If you use the new mobile payment app at the juice giant this weekend you’re eligible to pick a free collectible mini Android figurine. This is a great opportunity to try out the search giant’s newest NFC based payment system and get a prize in the process.

https://twitter.com/Android/status/654781369768214528/photo/1

Getting signed up for Android Pay is very easy. All you need to do is download the app, add your credit or debit card (from a participating bank) and you’re good to go. You need an Android phone with NFC (which is pretty much all of them except the OnePlus 2), Android 4.4 or better and set up home screen security. Android Pay is accepted at over a million stores around the US, so even if you’re not near a Jamba Juice, you can still try it out.

Source: Twitter

OnePlus will stop taking reservations for invites on October 22

Matt Adams
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0

OnePlus will be ending their reservation system on October 22, and focus on fulfilling those reservations by sending out invites. The system has amassed over 5 million reservations, a success by any metric. Now that production of the OnePlus 2 is ramping up, the aggressive start-up will begin to start sending out more invitations so that people can actually buy the sought after phone.

OnePlus has rightly been criticized for their invite system. It was originally put in place when the OnePlus One launched to protect the company from having too much stock at one time. If you know exactly how many phones you need, you’re never going to get stuck with inventory you can’t sell. Some phones were even being made and shipped out the same week, which led to some complaints about yellow screens from glue that hadn’t dried yet.

But, OnePlus wasn’t content to slowly make progress and fulfill orders. The company leveraged the press they were getting from the invite system, and started doing contests to jump the line and get an immediate invite. Some were dumb. Some were incredibly sexist. None of them helped the company’s image.

For the OnePlus 2, they decided to change it up. They introduced a reservation system that would again, give them an idea of how many phones they would need to produce. This time you could move further up the list by sharing links and getting your friends to sign up. Many are still annoyed with this system but, OnePlus has shipped more phones in a smaller amount of time than their last launch. Even if they didn’t launch on time.

[blockquote author=”OnePlus”]As production is ramping up, we want to ensure that as many people as possible who signed up get their invite, so we feel it’s in the best interest of our users to close the list and make sure that this happens. In one week (October 22), the OnePlus 2 Invite Reservation List will no longer be taking new entries. [/blockquote]

Now, that system is coming to an end. OnePlus will begin to send out more invites to those on the list. Those lucky enough to have purchased the phone already will also be getting shareable invites in the near future. If you’re looking for an invite, giveaways are often done on their social media account and in the OnePlus forums by the company and previous customers with invites to burn.

Time will tell if the invite system was a true positive for the company. While it did protect their product line, it also hurt their image and pushed some customers away for good. OnePlus shipped a surprising 1 million OnePlus One’s, but a long term future is not assured in such a volatile industry. You need only look at HTC’s current troubles for evidence.

What do you think about the invite system? Was it the right move for OnePlus? Should they have switched it up even more for the OnePlus 2? Let us know in the comments what you think.

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/oneplus-two/”%5D

[graphiq id=”hrSyQgad0ZD” title=”OnePlus 2″ width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hrSyQgad0ZD” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/2685/OnePlus-2″ link_text=”OnePlus 2 | SpecOut”]

Source: OnePlus via 9to5Google

Google Play update teased with a brand new design

AndroidGuys
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Google Play is about to get a brand new look, if some new screenshots are anything to go by. Google’s pixelpusher Kirill Grouchnikov has posted screenshots of the redesigned storefront on his Google+ page, teasing some big changes coming to the marketplace.

The first of the screenshots posted by Kirill show what appears to be an intro screen for new users, broken down to two different sections: “Apps & Games”, which is rather self-explanatory and “Entertainment”, grouping together Google Play’s media offerings.

Each section will feature subcategories on the front page. The Apps & Games section will have Top Charts, Games, Categories, Family and the like, while Entertainment splits the subcategories into Movies & TV, Music, Books and Newsstand (depending on the user’s location).

Google-Play-New-Sections-Slide-Demo

Kirill has also shown off some new fancy animations, demonstrating how the transition between the two sections will look like. Support for right-t0-left writing scripts will also be included in the update.

Google-Play-Android-Market-Landing-Evolution

Google Play has come a long way from its beginnings as Android Market. What do you think of this latest look? Have your say in the comments below!

Source: +Kirill Grouchnikov, Droid Life
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