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Current subscribers won’t receive a Google Play Music credit with a new Nexus purchase

Matt Adams
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0

Sorry Google Play Music subscribers. It looks like you won’t be getting an advertised three month credit when you purchase a new LG Nexus 5X or Huawei Nexus 6P. In the terms for the Play Nexus 90 promotion, it says the following:

“The Offer is only open to residents in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Greece, Japan, Australia and New Zealand (each an “Eligible Territory”) who:

  1. have purchased an Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X in a Eligible Territory (“Phone”) between September 29, 2015 and midnight Pacific Standard Time on April 18, 2017; and
  2. at the time the Offer is redeemed: (i) are not current Google Play Music subscribers; (ii) have not been Google Play Music subscribers in the past 12 months; and/or (iii) have not participated in a Google Play Music trial in the past 12 months.”

In past cases, even as recently as the Nexus 6, current subscribers would get a credit towards their bill. I personally have a credit until December due to buying a Nexus 6 and I’ve been a subscriber since the service begun a few years ago.

Definitely disappointing but probably not something that will keep many people from purchasing the phone. If you’ve only used the free version of the service it appears that you’ll still be able to redeem the offer and get three free months.

[graphiq id=”SLmnpbPTLL” title=”LG Nexus 5X ” width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/SLmnpbPTLL” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/4343/LG-Nexus-5X” link_text=”LG Nexus 5X | SpecOut”]

[graphiq id=”97LIta6oKQR” title=”Huawei Nexus 6P” width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/97LIta6oKQR” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/4175/Huawei-Nexus-6P” link_text=”Huawei Nexus 6P | SpecOut”]

Source: Google via Reddit

The 2015 Moto E won’t be receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Matt Adams
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5

[blockquote author=”Motorola”]We believe your phone should look and behave like you want it to. That means our approach to software is ‘less is more’, so you can focus on the choices that are right for you[/blockquote]

Motorola, taking the “less is more” line a little too literal, will not be updating the 2015 Moto E and the Verizon and AT&T variants of the 2014 Moto X to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The 2015 Moto E, one of the best budget phones around, was announced in only February. In the marketing video for the Moto E, these fateful words were uttered.

[blockquote author=”Magno Herran, Marketing Manager for Moto E (2nd Gen.), February 25th, 2015.”]And while other smartphones in this category don’t always support upgrades, we won’t forget about you, and we’ll make sure your Moto E stays up to date after you buy it.[/blockquote]

Apparently what Motorola meant by that statement was that the Moto E would be upgraded from Android 5.0 Lollipop that it was launched with to Android 5.1. This, frankly, is ridiculous. For a company that promises quick updates and a stock-like experience, the new Lenovorola is going in the wrong direction. Gutting much of the workforce, not updating their recent phones and bad customer service is not the recipe that turned Motorola from the disaster it was into a favorite among stock Android fans.

I can’t tell if it’s worse that they’re not updating a popular budget that came out in February or their flagship from a year ago on the two most popular carriers in the United States.

This is fragmentation at its worst. The willful fragmentation of a device line that should receive an update not only hurts Motorola and the owners of the phone but hurts the reputation of Android as a whole. Android has tried to address fragmentation by moving many of their applications into the Play Store so it can update them faster and by forcing OEMs to release devices with current builds of Android but the stigma of being left behind will never change when devices that were released less than 9 months ago are left in the dust.

There’s no one to blame here besides Lenovo. Motorola had rebounded to being a shell of its former self to being a favorite among those looking for stock Android and fast updates. In fact, Motorola updated the Moto X and Moto G lines to Lollipop on November 12th last year, less than two months after its release. That was the fastest among OEMs. It also was the fastest to update one of their phones to 4.4 KitKat in 2013 among non-Nexus phones.

To say this turn of events by Motorola is disappointing would be underplaying it. A lot of people had hoped that after being acquired by Google, Motorola would be the “chosen one” going forward, giving us fast updates, great hardware and an attractive price but now that trust is broken for many people.

If you’d like to read about the rest of Motorola’s update plan, check out our article from Friday for the full details about what phones will be getting the update, what phones will not and some of Motorola’s helpful application that are also getting the axe.

[graphiq id=”bwOp50xefPL” title=”Motorola Moto E (2015)” width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/bwOp50xefPL” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/2814/Motorola-Moto-E-2015″ link_text=”Motorola Moto E (2015) | SpecOut”]

Source: Motorola blog via Android Police

Sega brings the boom with Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom

Austin Hyde
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1

With over 140 million downloads since it made its debut last year, it’s safe to say that Sonic Dash has been a hit. If you’re unfamiliar with Sonic Dash, it’s an endless runner game that pays homage to the original Sonic the Hedgehog that made its debut on the Sega Genesis. Sega now looks to up the ante with the sequel Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. With their new game Sega has introduced several new features.

Sonic Dash 2

SONIC DASH 2 FEATURES

  • RACE with up to three characters in new Team Play mode! Swap runners mid-race to earn high scores
  • UNLEASH new special powers – Amy’s Hammer, Knuckle’s Slam attack, Sonic’s even faster Dash, and more
  • CONQUER new obstacles and Badniks
  • DASH on new fast-paced tracks in and above the beautiful Sonic Boom world
  • MASTER new Swing & Tilt gameplay with the super charged Enerbeam; tilt your device to swing the runner towards the rings and orbs
  • COLLECT, evolve, and run with new magical Sprites
  • EARN special prizes in new Events and Daily SEGA Challenges

What do you think? Are going to download it? Let us know in the comments below.

[pb-app-box pname=’com.sega.sonicdash’ name=’Sonic Dash’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

[pb-app-box pname=’com.sega.sonicboomandroid’ name=’Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

Android TV gets new partners, new content

Benton Trerise
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0

Not slowing down from the release of new devices on Tuesday, today Google announced some updates to the Android TV ecosystem. This is just in time for the Fall TV season, so hopefully this will help you keep up with all your shows.

First off, Android TV now has SHOWTIME®, HBO NOW, and CBS All Access available for use, so you can catch up on shows like Homeland and Big Bang Theory.

googleTV_showtime

Also being thrown into the mix is Disney Movies Anywhere, which is Disney’s digital movie system. EPIX, WWE, and UFC are all also now available on Android TV. For a full list of Android TV apps, go here.

Along with new apps, new TV manufacturers are going to start including Android TV on select models, such as Hisense and TCL. Set-top box manufacturers like Pace, Sagemcom, and Technicolor, along with Pay TV services such as KDDI and Telecom Italia are all going to be partnering with Android TV and including the system with their various products.

That’s a lot of new ways to use Android TV! Google is clearly doing what they can to make Android TV ubiquitous throughout the various ways people use their TV. This continues their efforts to make Android available in a myriad of places, leaving plenty of choice for us as the consumers.

Does any of this new excite you?

SOURCE: Official Android Blog

Soon you’ll be able to get Cricket Wireless at your local Target

Andrew Myrick
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1

For those interested in switching to Cricket Wireless, we have some good news for you. Within the next month, starting October 25th, Cricket Wireless will start rolling out to a Target near you.

We all know that trying to find the right place to get our wireless devices can be a pain, but when they are located in large retail chains like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, the search is lessened. Cricket is planning to bring their wireless plans and devices to close to 1,600 different Target locations, as well as through Target’s online retail site.

Recently, Cricket has been trying to make waves in the carrier world, by offering such options as a credit to those who switch from T-Mobile or MetroPCS. Whether those attempts to gain ground have been futile or not, haven’t really played themselves out. Regardless, seeing Cricket make the move into a big-box retail store, will surely help the business.

Along with the name, Cricket is bringing some great options for plans to consumers that may or may not even know they exist. Here are some of the benefits that they are boasting:

  • More nationwide 4G LTE coverage than T-Mobile, Sprint, Boost or MetroPCS
  • Plans starting at $35/month after $5 AutoPay credit, all in, with taxes/fees included
  • “Bring Your Own Device” Universal SIM Card Kit for compatible devices
  • Unlimited texts and calls to and from the US, Mexico and Canada on a Smart or Pro plan
  • Compelling selection of smartphones from HTC, LG, Samsung and ZTE ranging from $49.99 – $129.99

So if you’ve been in the market for a new plan, Cricket Wireless may be the best option for your mobile carrier needs.

Let us know what you think about Cricket Wireless moving into Target locations, and what kind of experiences you’ve had.

Motorola outlines Marshmallow upgrade plans for devices

Josh Noriega
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0

Many of us favor Motorola’s approach to smartphone software, not deviating too much from the true Android experience. One benefit to this is that you get more reliable OS updates. Being that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is the current hotness, Motorola has just opened up about what to expect and who should expect it.

On The Official Motorola Blog, the OEM discusses the future software plans. Firstly, it is made clear that the true-to-Android vision is still the driving force. I particularly connected with this statement:

[blockquote author=”Bjorn Kilburn, Motorola VP, Software Product Management”]This philosophy has enabled us to make what we think are the most personal and responsive phones in the world, built on a foundation of pure Android with a few Moto Enhancements to improve (not impede) overall functionality.[/blockquote]

With that said, there happens to be some Moto Enhancements features made redundant by new features in Marshmallow. Motorola said they will be removed to “ensure we’re complementing Android (not competing with it).” For instance, with Android’s new “Do not disturb” mode, Motorola doesn’t feel the need for Moto Assist anymore. Also, because Marshmallow handles user data backup/restore, Motorola Migrate will be retired.

Motorola also addressed probably the most questioned thing about updates, “Is my device getting it?”. Here is the list of devices currently in the works to receive Marshmallow:

  • 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Play
  • 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
  • 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia2 (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE2 (2nd gen)
  • DROID Turbo
  • 2014 Moto MAXX
  • 2014 Moto Turbo
  • Nexus 6

Motorola warns that this list isn’t final, and also defers to its per region software upgrade page. There’s no word about timing yet, only that the team is working fast and will release the updates when they’re ready, and to “Look for more news on timing in the coming weeks.”

Are you satisfied with Motorola’s support?

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/motorola-moto-x-style-pure/”%5D

Samsung to partner with Qualcomm again for Galaxy S7 chipset

Josh Noriega
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0

When Samsung left Qualcomm behind this year in favor for its house-made Exynos chipset, the move could’ve been seen as the nail in the coffin for the relationship. Fortunately, it appears like next year they’re going to kiss and make up.

According to a report today, Samsung is going to yet again be offering a mix of Galaxy S7’s with either Snapdragon or Exynos SoC. Like usual, which chipset you get will depend on your region. It is expected that phones with Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 820 will be found in the U.S. and China (two of the largest smartphone markets).

The Snapdragon 820 is supposed to be Qualcomm’s redemption to the troubled 810 chipset this year. Off the bat, it faced overheating controversy and continual bad reception. We have yet to see the 820 replace it.

snapdragon_820

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the possibility of the Snapdragon 820 in the upcoming Galaxy S7. But more evidence to any rumor is always a good thing. As for other markets, the latest rumors of the Galaxy S7 peg it with an updated Exynos 8890 SoC (from the current 7420 chip).

How do you feel about Samsung’s decision? Would you prefer to stick with Exynos?

Source: etnews

Asus devices will come bundled with Microsoft Office to avoid a lawsuit

Matt Adams
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1
Asus devices will come bundled with Microsoft Office to avoid a lawsuit

After years of suing everyone in sight, it appears that Microsoft is in the market to make some friends. This week they’ve announced a deal to end a patent war with Google and now they’re buddying up with Asustek.

In a deal announced on Thursday, it appears Microsoft will agree to not sue Asus for their Android patents if Asus agrees to bundle Microsoft software, including Office, on their tablets and phones. The agreement calls for “closer integration” between the two companies that currently share a patent agreement. The deal will see Asus “…pre-install Microsoft Office productivity services on Asus’ Android smartphones and tablets”, like the popular budget Asus Zenfone 2. Microsoft and Asus also announced that they will work together on future projects.

[blockquote author=”Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC”]“Beyond ensuring continued improvements to our products, it opens the door to the kind of collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS made possible only through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property.”[/blockquote]

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has struck a deal to bundle their software onto phones and tablets in an agreement not to sue. Samsung owners were greeted with a Microsoft folder in their application tray, in this generation of flagships, which contained apps like Office, OneNote and OneDrive within.

Microsoft has continued a strategy of pushing their mobile apps into the view of customers in any way possible. Whether these agreements are smart or annoying is based solely on which side of the table you sit. For Microsoft, it definitely extends the reach of their products and getting your software on a users device is a huge advantage to lock them into your ecosystem. For users, extra added software out of the box, or bloatware, is annoying and if it’s impossible to remove, can build resentment. Luckily, carriers like T-Mobile and Sprint allow users to uninstall those applications with ease.

What do you think of Microsoft’s strategy? Will moving their apps into the mobile world pay off big, or cost them? Let us know what you think.

[graphiq id=”d6si7wkdOjH” title=”Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML)” width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/d6si7wkdOjH” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/2573/Asus-ZenFone-2-ZE551ML” link_text=”Asus ZenFone 2 (ZE551ML) | SpecOut”]

Source: PCWorld

15 million T-Mobile customers have their data stolen

Matt Adams
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0

In an a letter to customers, T-Mobile CEO John Legere has responded to reports that 15 million customers have had their data stolen by hackers. The fault comes from Experian, “a vendor that processes our credit applications” states Legere. He goes on to explain that T-Mobile’s systems seem to have escaped being breached and no payment information like credit card numbers or bank account information was among the stolen data. Hackers have gained data on anyone who has had a credit check run from September 1, 2013 until September 16, 2015.

[blockquote author=”John Legere, T-Mobile CEO”]”The investigation is ongoing, but what we know right now is that the hacker acquired the records of approximately 15 million people, including new applicants requiring a credit check for service or device financing from September 1, 2013 through September 16, 2015,”[/blockquote]

Included in the stolen data are names, addresses, and birth dates as well as encrypted fields with Social Security Numbers and ID numbers (such as driver’s license or passport numbers). According to Experian, it’s possible, that the encryption may be able to be broken. In response to the breach, Experian is offering two free years of credit monitoring and identity resolution services.

At least 15 million customers, the T-Mobile/Experian data breach is the third worst of 2015 following only Anthem (80 million) and The US Office of Personnel Management (21.5 million). Experian explains in a statement that a customer node was compromised but made sure to point out that its consumer credit bureau was unaffected. Experian notified both US and International authorities of the breach which happened two weeks ago and was discovered within two days of the initial intrusion.

“Obviously I am incredibly angry about this data breach and we will institute a thorough review of our relationship with Experian, but right now my top concern and first focus is assisting any and all consumers affected. I take our customer and prospective customer privacy VERY seriously.” wrote Legere.

It’s still too early to predict the fallout from the situation but we’ll keep you updated as the story continues to unfold.

Source: T-Mobile, USA Today

Lower your screen’s minimum brightness with Dimly (App Review)

Jack McNenny
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0

While maximum screen brightness is a highly sought-out feature in phones, making sure your phone’s screen brightness is low enough at night is important too.

Overview

Reading, web-browsing, watching videos and more at night can negatively affect your eyes if the screen’s brightness is not in check. Dimly, made by Ricardo Solano, is an app that lowers your brightness much more than your phone allows it to. With AMOLED screens, the brightness can be lowered all the way until the screen is literally off. With LCD displays, the screen will still get extremely dark, but the standard backlight will still be on no matter what, contrast to AMOLED screens.

DimlyScreenshot

Setup and Function

Dimly runs in the notification bar while it’s active, allowing you to tap it to bring up its brightness slider. This is also where you can go to the app’s settings, where you can adjust the apps default minimum and maximum brightness. Set the brightness too low and can’t see your way back? The developer allows you to press and hold the phone’s power button for 8 seconds until Dimly resets. Anyway, I found the default settings to be perfect for night web-browsing, so while adjusting to your preference is there, I didn’t have to. Also in the settings in the blue-light filter toggle, which helps fight the supposed negative affects that blue light from screens can have on your eyes.

DimlyPhoto

What We Liked

  • Simple enough without interfering
  • Modern design in the settings menu
  • Blue-light filter works perfectly

What We Didn’t Like

  • An occasional ad will show up only when adjusting the brightness

Conclusion

Dimly does everything it promises to, and it’s free on the Play Store. For the night time reader, or for watching media at night, this app is a must to prevent your eyes from being strained. This is an app I will definitely be keeping on my devices.

[pb-app-box pname=’com.sebmorand.brightcom’ name=’Screen Dimmer’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

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