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Glean promises a quality news experience (App Review)

Jason Botha
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The news department has been heating up a bit as of late. Apple included its own news app in iOS 9, and FlipBoard has been improving their own service, not to mention all the Material Design overhauls. Now we have come across something called “Glean”, which is another newsstand-style app. I was initially rather dubious at how Glean can compete against the bigger services, but as soon as I opened up the app up, my view on that changed completely.

Setup

Although the setup can take some time, it’s a necessity as the app wants to deliver relevant news and topics of interest to you. You begin by signing in, either creating an account or with an existing Google or Facebook account. I chose the Google account, and then was greeted by an interesting screen that allowed me to choose my topics of interest. I am not lying when I say that the list is vast and full of subjects, and there is guaranteed to be something that you can think of.

Once you’ve selected your topics, you go straight into the news area. There aren’t much options setting wise, you can only read the Privacy T&C’s and log out of your account.

Features

The function of Glean is to obviously provide news that is of interest to you. Like the competitors, you can browse a large amount of any topics pulled from the web, along with some neat options like bookmarking articles, changing text size and sharing to your various social media accounts.

Glean is packed with these features. It offers most of the things that its competitors do, but unfortunately doesn’t seem to offer anything unique against the competition. Glean does, however, do the job well and at no point was I disappointed at what it had. This is made even better by the Material Design that the developers have incorporated into Glean to create an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Is it for me?

As Glean is a bit late on the scene, it is likely you already have a dedicated app for news topics. Regardless, Glean is something you should still try out and perhaps replace your existing app.

What we liked

  • The incorporated material design
  • Packed full of features
  • Customization of topics
  • No adverts

And not so much…

  • Not much options for the app in the settings

Glean certainly has the potential to fill the market with its great service. With a decent mobile app, features and service, we can expect to see more people take it on as their main source of news.

[pb-app-box pname=’com.delvv.delvvapp’ name=’Glean News Reader’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

Introducing the AndroidGuys Device Database

AndroidGuys
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If you are a regular visitor to AndroidGuys you may have noticed some subtle changes taking place over the last few weeks. Namely, as we discuss various smartphones and devices, we’re linking to specific pages dedicated to said products. In other words, when we mention the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition, we’ll hand off a link to a page gives readers a number of tools and details.

Depending on the model you might find a short blurb about the phone, a link to its official announcement post, links to tagged articles, a gallery, and buttons to purchase the product. Perhaps the coolest thing you’ll see on the product pages is a handy embedded widget with all of the hardware details for the device.

sample_graphiq

We’ve worked closely with the wonderful team at Graphiq (FindTheBest) to put together a widget that delivers all of the stuff we think you’ll find most relevant to the phones, tablets, and other devices. Starting with today’s top models and working back a generation or two, we’ll continue to add devices and improve the experience.

If you want an at-a-glance view of things like processor speeds, screens sizes, memory, and connectivity, it’s there. Moreover, you’ll also be able to check whether a product has support for 4K video or features a particular screen technology.  And, should you want to dig deeper, there’s a link at the bottom to head out to the full Graphiq listing. Once there you can also pin the phone or two against each other to see how they stack up.

The widgets are dynamic, which means they can and will change over time. As software updates roll out or new details are made more obvious, the widget will adapt. You’ll note that we’re also doing this for unannounced products, too. Indeed, it’s a great way to keep an eye on the growing specifications for rumored products.

We’re extremely happy to bring these pages to you and think they’ll help to better serve our audience. AndroidGuys has transitioned away from being a strictly news and rumors site to one that offers more insight, analysis, and guidance. We have a ways to go before we’re where we want to be but today’s news was a big step for us – and you.

Here are a handful of recently announced devices to check out!

New Stagefright attack targets Android users with audio files

Matt Adams
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Android users are under attack again. The Stagefright bug that Google and OEMs scrambled to fix, only to have a second bug discovered, is back. Users are being targeted with faked audio files that exploit the multimedia preview function in Android to gain access to sensitive areas of a user’s phone or tablet.

The target is sent an mp3 or mp4 file that is encoded with a malicious program and can compromise the Android file system and its security, once opened. More troubling is that an attacker may be able to leverage public Wi-Fi hotspots to infect victims by having them download a file or visit an infected site to infect their phone.

Zimperium Security found the exploit, which isn’t covered by the two rounds of security patches released since July.

Many phone makers like Samsung, LG and HTC have recently committed to begin releasing monthly security updates to their phones but as of yet, this new exploit hasn’t been patched. SMS apps like Textra have recently updated to add Stagefright protection as a feature.

Google is working on fixing the Stagefright exploit in the core code of Android that is distributed to OEMs. A security patch will be available in the October monthly security update that will roll out to Nexus phones on October 5th.

Source: The Verge

Check out these 7 cases to protect your Galaxy S6

Matt Adams
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Protecting your cell phone is important. One of the first things most of us do is search for a case either while we’re still in the store or after we get home. AndroidGuys is here to help you get the best case you can for your Samsung Galaxy S6. We’re going to be taking a look at three different categories today. Ultra protection, barely-there and in-between. All of the cases on our list have four stars or greater and free Prime shipping from Amazon. Here are our choices for some of the best cases for the Samsung Galaxy S6.

Ultra Protection

If you drop your phone a lot or just want to make sure your phone lasts for the full two years of your contract or financing agreement, these are the cases for you.

OtterBox Defender Series

OtterBox is the biggest name in phone protection. They’ve been doing it longer and better than anyone else. The Defender Series is the most popular line that OtterBox offers due to its multi-layer design that absorbs shocks and keeps scratches away. While it’s one of the top heavy-duty cases, it’s also deceptively light-weight. Weighing in at less than 5 ounces the Defender Series keeps your device protected without adding a lot of heft.

You can pick up the OtterBox Defender Series in one of four colors for about $31 with free Prime Shipping.

Product link: OtterBox Defender Series

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-galaxy-s6-otterbox-commuter-case/”%5D

Spigen Capsule Ultra Rugged

Spigen is one of the most well respected case makers around due to their high quality and low prices. You can almost always find a design to fit the needs for your flagship phone because Spigen tries to protect just about everything out there. Their Capsule Ultra Rugged case is a great combination of protection and looks. It has a distinct design that covers makes your phone stand out while keeping it protected from those nasty falls and scratches. One of the best features of the Capsule Ultra Rugged is how slim it is. It’s one of the smallest cases on the list so it doesn’t bulk up your phone.

You can pick up the Spigen Capsule Ultra Rugged case for $11.99 with free Prime Shipping.

Product Link: Spigen Capsule Ultra Rugged

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-galaxy-s6-spigen-capsule-ultra-rugged/”%5D

SUPCASE Water Resistant Rugged Case with built in screen protector

If you’re looking to protect your phone from more than just the drops and scratches, this may be the one for you. For $20, you can pick up this rugged case from SUPCASE that protects from splashes and spills and comes with three different backs so you can change the color whenever you want. The case has two layers, a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) core and Polycarbonate (PC) outer case, and a built in screen protector to extend the scratch protection to the screen. SUPCASE also included covers for the auxiliary jack and charging port, so you can keep water and dust out. Note that this isn’t a case you should take your phone with you while swimming, but it definitely should protect you in case of an accidental splash or two.

You can pick up the SUPCASE Waster Resistant Rugged case with built in screen protector and three backings for $19.99 with free Prime Shipping.

Product Link: SUPCASE Rugged Case

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-galaxy-s6-supcase-water-resistant-case/”%5D

Barely There

Swees Transparent TPU Case

Sometimes less is more. If you want a case that will protect your phone but has less bulk, the Swees Transparent TPU Case may be the one for you. As the name indicates, it is transparent so you can see that beautiful glass back and the aluminum sides of your Galaxy S6. Since it’s made out of TPU it’s also going to add a fair bit of grip to your phone too. The S6 is a pretty slippery phone so this is definitely a huge plus for this case. There’s a raised lip to protect your screen and it’s easy to take on and off. This case from Swees has the recipe for success.

You can pick up the Swees Transparent TPU Case for only $4.99 with free Prime Shipping

Product Link: Swees Transparent TPU Case

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-galaxy-s6-swees-transparent-tpu-case/”%5D

Spigen Liquid Crystal Case

The Liquid Crystal case from Spigen is a lot like the Swees Transparent TPU case in the aspect that it focuses on a nice transparent case and doesn’t add a lot of bulk. Spigen advertises that the Liquid Crystal case is the thinnest and lightest Samsung Galaxy S6 case on the market and that the urethane coating they use prevents discoloration. Part of the advantage of the Liquid Crystal Case is that there is an anti-smudge inner dot design that creates a buffer between the TPU case and glass back. This protects your phone from not only fingerprints but scratches and provides some drop protection as well.

You can pick up the Spigen Liquid Crystal Case for $10.99 with free Prime Shipping

Product Link: Spigen Liquid Crystal Case

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-galaxy-s6-spigen-liquid-crystal-case/”%5D

In Between

Caseology Wavelength

The Caseology Wavelength series is one of the best looking cases on the market. The dual layer TPU and Polycarbonate case will protect your phone from drops while looking good doing it. This is a case that will fit in no matter the situation. You could be in a business meeting or just out with your friends and it won’t look out of place. There are precise cut outs for all of your ports and a camera cut out big enough that the flash won’t rebound back into the lens. And no matter what your taste, Caseology is going to have a design for you with 37 color combinations to choose from.

You can pick up the Caseology Wavelength case in one of 37 combinations for only $17.99 with free Prime Shipping.

Product Link: Caseology Wavelength

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/galaxy-s6-caseology-wavelength-case/”%5D

Obliq Slim Meta Case

The Slim Meta case from Obliq is one of the thinnest, full coverage cases out there. This shock-resistant case is made out of TPU and in addition to being shock resistant, the Slim Meta case promises to keep your device free from scratches. There’s a lip that barely comes over the front of the case so it can protect your screen from face down falls while not impacting your ability to swipe in from the side, a common action in Android today. It looks great with an airbrushed, two-tone design.

You can pick up the Obliq Slim Meta case in a number of colors for only $14.55 with free Prime shipping.

Product Link: Obliq Slim Meta Case

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/galaxy-s6-obliq-slim-meta-case/”%5D

What are your suggestions for cases for the Samsung Galaxy S6? Let us know in the comments what your favorite case is.

Sprint customers: two more weeks for unlimited data, talk, and text at $60/month

Jalen Benjamin
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Sprint customers: two more weeks for unlimited data, talk, and text at $60/month

Sprint announced yesterday, that its $60 per month unlimited data, talk, and text plan will increase to $70 per month on October 16th. This will not affect customers who already have the plan or those who enroll before this date.

According to the press release, Sprint and T-Mobile are the only companies that have this type of unlimited plan. While the new Unlimited Plan costs $10 more for new customers, Sprint is emphasizing the fact that it’s still cheaper than the only other unlimited option, which is from T-Mobile.

This is an expected move, considering the fact that T-Mobile recently surpassed Sprint in August to become the third largest carrier in the U.S. Sprint seems to be trying to make up for lost revenue from losing consumers to the likes of Big Red, Big Magenta, and AT&T.

If this doesn’t convince you that Sprint wants to entice consumers from these other networks, just think of how it must still feel after its lost bid at a merger with T-Mobile. It was just three months ago that T-Mobile and Sprint’s respective CEOs, John Legere and Marcelo Claure, had some harsh words to say about each other’s mobile plans.

Sprint has probably wanted to show it can succeed on its own against the other carriers or at least T-Mobile. Don’t expect another bid for a merger between these two anytime soon.

Source: Sprint Newsroom

[graphiq id=”5iOt2pNtA6p” title=”Sprint Corporation (S)” width=”700″ height=”530″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/5iOt2pNtA6p” link=”http://listings.findthecompany.com/l/32574845/Sprint-Corporation-in-Overland-Park-KS” link_text=”Sprint Corporation (S) | FindTheCompany”]

 

Action Launcher update brings Quickfind and new features

Jack McNenny
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Action Launcher 3, the homescreen launcher based on material design has been updated once again with Quickfind in the new app drawer, similar to Google Now Launcher.

The new default app drawer for Action Launcher scrolls vertically with the Quickfind bar at the top, and most used apps right beneath that followed by the rest of your apps. As you’re typing for the desired app, tapping enter or go on your keyboard will launch the first app in line.

The Google search bar is also updated to Google’s new logo and gives you the option of coloring the mic, like in the Google Now Launcher.

The update also brings a total of 12 animations for switching desktop screens, bringing more customization to this launcher. As usual, this update fixes performance issues and memory leaks, reducing the issues of launcher redraws and slowdowns.

Action Launcher 3

LG officially announces V10 ahead of New York event

Jack McNenny
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Looks like LG is as excited as we are about it’s V10 smartphone, the first in a new premium line from the South Korean company, so much that it announced the phone a day ahead of its event in New York tomorrow.

First in the new “V” line from LG, the V10 is a modest evolution of the G4, with similar specs such as the Snapdragon 808 chip, same 16 megapixel rear camera and same removable 3,000 mAh battery.

What’s new in the V10 is the bigger 5.7 inch QHD Quantum Dot display with a resolution of 2560x1440p, with a small secondary display above the main screen and below the front-facing camera at 160×1040. This secondary display is the highlight of LG’s new phone that’s “always on” and displays information such as the time, weather and notifications when your main screen is off. The new small screen also acts as a quick-launch area when using your phone for apps you use most often. It can also be used for quick contacts, similar to the Galaxy S6 Edge.

Also new for this phone is not one, but two front-facing 5 MP cameras, with one capturing images in a wide field of view at 180 degrees, and the other one capturing 80 degrees. The V10 will use these two cameras to capture 3D images using new software from LG.

While the V10 shares the same camera as the G4 (which is one of the best in the smartphone market), LG is pushing for better software that pushes the limits of standard video capture. V10 users will have full manual control over things like ISO, shutter speed, white balance, focus, and frame rate. The V10 can shoot video in HD, FHD, or UHD resolution, and there’s even an option to shoot in a 21:9 aspect ratio for ultra-wide screens.

Finally, the V10 offers 4GB RAM and only one 64GB storage option, all housed in a sleek, steel metal body.

As if the G4 wasn’t a powerhouse enough, LG looks to steal even more thunder in the later half of the coming years with this new line, obviously competing with Google’s Nexus 6P and Galaxy Note 5.  Full specs and renders listed below:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
  • 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) IPS Quantum display with a secondary 2.1-inch (160x 1040) IPS Quantum display
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
  • 4GB of RAM
  • 64GB of internal storage with microSD card slot for up to an additional 2TB
  • 16MP rear camera with F1.8 Aperture and OIS 2.0 / 5MP front dual-lens camera
  • 3000mAh removable battery
  • Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
  • 6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm, 192g
  • LTE-A Cat. 6 support
  • Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/lg-v10/”%5D

 

LG V10 renders leaked online ahead of this week’s debut

Josh Noriega
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Last week, LG teased an interesting (or disturbing, if you watched the teaser video) upcoming smartphone due on Oct. 1st. We could tell that there will be some sort of separate “ticker” display, perhaps similar to what Samsung offers on the “Edge” phones.

Today, we may have a first leak at that device, courtesy of Evan Blass at @evleaks. Via Twitter, he tweeted the following image, referred to as the LG V10.

lg_v10

It’s unsure if “V10” is the name the new phone will bear. However, this shot looks like a promo pic and has “V10” etched on the back cover. The back cover is also uniquely tiled and looks really grippy.

At the top of the display we can in fact see that “ticker” display, along with what appears to be app shortcuts (maybe a favorite apps list). Alongside, we also see what looks like two camera sensors. Maybe this is a duo camera for depth controlling selfies? Beats me.  Fortunately, we only have to wait a day to know.

Does the V10 peak your interest, or do you think LG has gone off the deep end?

OnePlus X launching in Oct. and will sport Snapdragon 801

AndroidGuys
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OnePlus set the stage for growth last year with its first device, the OnePlus One. The CEO, Carl Pei, hinted at two models for 2015 and rumors point to a mid-range device called the OnePlus X. I guess we went from simple arithmetic with the flagship phones(OnePlus One and OnePlus Two)to algebra with naming of the mid-range class.

According to gizmochina.com and their sources, the OnePlus X will arrive with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 which should help keep its price point at $249 or lower. Paired with the right hardware, the Snapdragon 801 was a great processor just a year ago and should have no issues in keeping up with the latest version of Android.oneplus-x-02

Even though this is a mid-range phone, there are other rumors pointing to a premium design with unique features such as a dual camera set-up and USB-C. The OnePlus Two is a large device with a 5.5″ display, so OP looks to be focusing purely on price and design with the X. The X is also speculated to come with a smaller 5″ display for those who prefer devices that can be used with one hand.

Of all of the rumors, I find it most interesting that the OnePlus X is slated to come out in Oct. since they are back-ordered on the OnePlus Two. With all of the issues they have with invites and angered customers finding the invite system annoying, you would hope OnePlus would focus on keeping their main fan base happy by reducing wait times.

Either way, I hope OnePlus does succeed with their phones as they do put pressure on other manufacturers to drop prices.

 

Google explains why wireless charging was excluded from new Nexus phones

Josh Noriega
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The team in charge of the new Nexus phones launched yesterday had a session on Reddit today to freely answer questions from Nexus fans. A lot of us were bothered by the exclusion of wireless charging, a smartphone feature Google began with the Nexus 4 and was carried to each subsequent Nexus, until now.

Therefore, of course the question came up in the Q&A:  “Was it a conscious decision to leave out Qi wireless charging, or was it a cost or design necessity?”

Here was the answer:

[blockquote author=”Google Nexus Team”]Thanks for being a Nexus fan! We added Qi wireless charging starting with N4 because plugging in USB micro B was such a hassle! (Which way is up!?) With this year’s Nexii, we support USB Type-C which has a reversible connector so there’s no more guessing. AND it charges incredibly swiftly: 1% to 100% in 97 mins on the 6P for example (the first ~45 mins of charging is especially fast). Meanwhile, wireless charging adds z (thickness). So, ease of plugging in + fast charging + optimizing for thinness made us double down on Type-C instead of wireless![/blockquote]

There you have it folks. While I give the Nexus team props for doing this kind of session at all (and addressing these tough questions), I’m not feeling this answer.

Specifically, I have a hard time buying that wireless charging has existed because inserting microUSB was such a hassle. It’s more work to plug in at all. That is why people like wireless charging and that was the selling point – no plugging.

The other justification the team gave was that they felt thinness took priority. I also question this response. How thicker would it have been and would we care?

What do you think about Google’s answer to no wireless charging?

Source: Reddit

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