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Hoops: a challenging yet fun, free-to-play, puzzle game (App review)

Jalen Benjamin
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0

We’ll take a look at Hoops, an indie, puzzle game developed by Pedro Gilabert for this review. As of the time of this post, Hoops appears to be new to Google Play. Let’s find out if there is enough room for it to succeed in this saturated market.

Setup

There is nothing to worry about here. Head over to Google Play or Playboard, download, and install.

Gameplay

Hoops features a story mode of 10 worlds, an arcade mode, and a head-to-head mode.

Description of a map in Hoops

In each, the player must use his or her puzzle pieces and match them to pieces located within the hoop. Match all of your pieces before the timer runs out or before your opponent does depending on the situation, and you win.

A map in Hoops

With the story mode, you will be introduced to new mechanics as you progress through each world. These include obstacles and battle rules. Battle rules allow for the likes of time extensions and shortcuts.

You also earn credits as you play. These cannot be used to make purchases in the shop since that is reserved for real-world currency. Instead, you enter games using them.

What We Like

  • Good mechanics that builds on themselves
  • Whimsical soundtrack
  • Decent, replayable tutorials
  • Game manual included
  • English or Spanish dialogue option

What We Don’t Like

  • Can’t replay a world’s maps until that world is completed
  • Paywall appears relatively early
  • Occasional grammatical errors
  • Exit menu is in Spanish even if English has been selected
  • Albeit rarely, it crashes

To conclude, I believe Hoops is a fun game in part because I feel accomplished when I beat what I think of as difficult maps. Your experience may vary. What I found to be difficult is what you might find to be easy.

It’s too bad I couldn’t progress far without hitting a paywall, which I met in the second world. A free-to-play game still has to profit somehow, I suppose.

At least there still are the arcade and the two-player modes, although much of the former has to be unlocked through the story mode.

Unlocki games in Hoops' arcade mode through the story mode

There are also a few, minor, technical issues due to occasional, grammatical errors in the dialogue, Spanish appearing where English should, and rare crashes.

That aside, I admire the fact that Hoops builds on itself. Until I met the paywall, I thought the increasing difficulty was appropriate.

I know there is an equal amount of aspects of the game that I like and do not like. Hoops scores as high as it does because I believe all but one of its cons are quite minor (the paywall).

Also, as mostly a gamer of non-mobile platforms, I admit that I have become more tolerant to paywalls at least within free-to-play games like this.

The budgets of mobile games generally are not nearly as high as console or PC games. However, I realize free-to-play games and many others with micro-transactions have to undersell themselves initially in order to establish a consumer base and then entice the more dedicated consumers to want to pay further.

They just will not be able to offset development costs, achieve their bottom line, and produce apps and other games if they don’t do this.

Therefore, this is why, in spite of the presence of Hoops’ paywall in the second world, it’s value score was not as sharply affected.

That aside, don’t expect to beat all of Hoops’ maps easily, especially if you play beyond the first world. Although, I wouldn’t think the game would be as fun as it is if it wasn’t challenging.

[pb-app-box pname=’work23.games.Hoops’ name=’Hoops’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

Nvidia’s game streaming service officially launched as GeForce NOW

Josh Noriega
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0

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard from Nvidia regarding its ambitious game streaming service GRID.  Well, Nvidia hasn’t been sitting around on the idea.  The service is now ready for prime time, and with the official launch, a new name – GeForce NOW.

geforce_now_2

You can essentially think of Nvidia’s streaming service as a Netflix for gaming, but exclusive to any Shield device (console, portable, or tablet).  This also means that it’s exclusive to Android (no Windows).  Nvidia has built up data centers across the globe to handle all the behind-the-scenes horsepower needed to accomplish this on a mass scale.  The user only needs adequate bandwidth.

What is “adequate” bandwidth?  According to Nvidia:

  • 10 Mbps – Minimum broadband speed
  • 20 Mbps – Recommended for 720p 60 FPS quality
  • 50 Mbps – Recommended for 1080P 60 FPS quality

Additionally, you need < 60ms ping time in one of the six Nvidia datacenters world-wide. Nvidia has a Windows tool to test your network and tell you if it will work.

GeForce NOW will launch on Oct. 1st and the subscription cost will be $7.99/month.  But you may be wondering what exactly that gets you.  Nvidia says that  “50 popular PC games” are included with the subscription.  Notable titles in this group are the LEGO collection and Batman Arkham series.

geforce_now_games_2

There are more available games, but you’ll need to purchase them, such as bigger titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.  I would like to think that as titles get older, they move into the “included” library, similar to how games reduce in price over time.  We’re not yet sure how Nvidia will treat it.

witcher-montage-shield-tv

To launch with a bang, Nvidia’s throwing in the first 3 months free when you sign up, per Shield device (a limited time offer).  I can see gamers being weary of a new idea like this, especially since the game library isn’t yet extensive.  It’ll be up to Nvidia to build it quickly and not go the OnLive route to demise.

What do you think of GeForce NOW, are you sold on it?

Source: Nvidia

Google launches Play Music Family Plan

Benton Trerise
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2

Yesterday was filled with goodies from Google, from new Nexus devices to new Chromecast devices, there was just about something for everyone, including music lovers. Google announced a new Play Music Family Plan, allowing for several different accounts to be on the same plan.

For $14.99 a month, the Play Music Family Plan allows for six accounts to share one plan. This will be available sometime later this year.

Unfortunately, that is all the details we have about the Google Play Music Family Plan (my, what a mouthful!). Currently, one account can have 10 devices linked to a Play Music subscription, with 5 of those being smartphones. To delete a device off an account is easy, but you can only remove 4 devices in a year. How the new Play Music Family Plan will affect these current restrictions is unclear, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye out to let you know.

For most people, the above won’t affect them much, as its unlikely they go through that many devices. However, some people may already share their Play Music subscription with others, so the details of how the Family Plan will affect that will be something to keep an eye out for.

Will you go for a Google Play Music Family Plan? Shoot off in the comments below!

Source: Official Google Blog

Samsung schedules Gear S2 for launch on October 2

Scott Webster
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1

Samsung today confirmed the pricing and availability of its latest smart wearable, the Gear S2. Announced a few weeks back, the watch will make its debut on October 2 and will carry a starting price tag of $300.

Customers interested in picking up the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth version of the Gear S2 will be able to do so from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s and, of course, Samsung. The Gear S2 will retail for $300 while the Gear S2 Classic comes in at a slightly higher $350.

The watches are powered by Samsung’s own Tizen OS and can be paired with any smartphone running Android 4.4 or later with at least 1.5GB RAM.

Those of you hoping for the network-connected will need to wait a little longer as it’s not set to arrive until later this fall. But, we do know that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will carry it once it’s launched.

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/samsung-gear-s2/”%5D

[toggles title=”Press Release”]

Samsung Gear S2 – Available October 2 Nationwide

Latest Samsung wearable elevates style and function

RIDGEFIELD PARK, New Jersey – September 30, 2015 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced that the Gear S2 ($299.99) and Gear S2 classic ($349.99) will be available in the U.S. beginning Friday, October 2. The smartwatches, which were unveiled at this year’s IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) Conference in Berlin, turned heads with their elegant curves and premium finishes. The revolutionary and intuitive circular interface and rotating bezel of the Gear S2 allows for quick and precise navigation. A mere 11.4mm thin, the Samsung Gear S2 brings a light and compact design to your wrist where you can access important notifications at a glance.

“We designed the Gear S2 with the speed of today’s life in mind. It is technology that helps you stay dialed in to what is important to you – without sacrificing your sense of style,” said Alanna Cotton, vice president, Mobile Computing at Samsung Electronics America.

The Gear S2 will be available at select retailers at launch, including Samsung.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy and Macy’s. Consumers will also be able to get hands-on time with the Gear S2 exclusively at Best Buy and Macy’s Herald Square on October 2, and at an additional 50 Macy’s stores nationwide beginning October 16.

At launch, a variety of apps for the Gear S2 will be available, including Bloomberg, CNN, ESPN, Nike+ Running, Samsung Milk Music and Yelp. Through open collaboration with developers and partners, Samsung is continuing to enrich its wearable ecosystem and provide users with a more optimized and unique smartwatch experience.

The new wearable runs on the latest Tizen OS with an optimized 1-GHz dual core processor supporting Samsung smartphones and for the first time, most other smartphones running Android*.

The Gear S2 network-connected model will launch later this fall and will be available at AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. U.S. Cellular will carry the Bluetooth only version. Wireless providers will confirm specific models, colors, pricing and availability.

For more information and media assets on the Gear S2, please click here.

*Compatibility with Android 4.4 and above, and at least 1.5GB RAM

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA delivers a broad range of digital consumer electronics, IT and home appliance products. Samsung is the market leader for HDTVs in the U.S and America’s fastest growing home appliance brand. To discover more of the award-winning products you love with Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. We employ 319,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of US $196 billion. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog atglobal.samsungtomorrow.com

[/toggles]

HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Samsung Galaxy S6

Andrew Myrick
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0

We’re smack-dab in the middle of a heated smartphone release cycle which means consumers have some really great new devices to choose from. If you are in the market for a new device, the next few weeks will provide you with a number of excellent models to consider. Two such handsets are the LG Nexus 5X and the Samsung Galaxy S6.

The Nexus 5X is the newer of the pair, as the Samsung phone has been on the market since April of earlier this year. We still consider them to be worthy opponents due to their similar size and form factor. Let’s take a look at these two and see how they stack up against each other, starting with a head-to-head chart.

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Software

As you likely know, hardware isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to picking out a smartphone. Software plays an important role in helping decide which model might be best for you. To that end, the Nexus 5X is easily the winner here because it runs the absolute latest in Android. Moreover, it’s a stock build of Android which means it doesn’t have carrier-branded apps or services pre-installed.

Dubbed 6.0 Marshmallow, the newest release brings about a number of new features and native support for others. Google Now On Tap, for example, provides contextual answers and information to users without any effort. Other goodies found in Android 6.0 include support for USB Type C charging and fingerprint verification.

Perhaps one of the best features is the new way in which Android will hibernate apps and services to prolong battery life. As we all know, whether it’s fast charging or wireless, batteries could always use some help.

App permissions get smarter and more intuitive with Android 6.0, too. Customers will find that they have more control over which permissions are granted on an app; developers win with a better user experience that doesn’t ask for all of these requirements ahead of launching the app.

If history is an indicator, the Nexus will win in the long run, too. Google will be quick to deploy software updates in a timely manner with Samsung’s phones often some months behind the curve. Does this matter to everyone? No, but purists and those wanting the best for their money will care deeply about this. Also, it doesn’t help that Samsung devices can sometimes feel slower and more wonky after major software updates.

Customization

The Nexus 5X comes in three color options for 2015 (Carbon, Quartz, Ice) while the Galaxy S6 gets White Pearl, Black Sapphire, and Gold Platinum colors. Depending on where you buy the phone you may have less colors to choose from, particularly if you’re purchasing the latter through a carrier.

Storage capacity

The Samsung Galaxy S6 comes with three storage options: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB (dependent upon the carrier). As for the Nexus 5X, it comes with 16GB and 32GB capacities. Depending on your needs, and how much you rely on cloud backups and storage, this could be a moot point. But, if you’re looking for the most storage available, Samsung takes the crown here. It’s also worth noting that neither of these devices have support for a MicroSD card, so you may need to choose wisely when deciding how much storage to get.

Camera

If you are the kind of person who looks strictly at specifications, then you have to concede this feature to Samsung and its 16-megapixel rear camera. Not simply for megapixels but also for the fact that it has optical image stabilization, too. Then again, until you see real photos and factor in your own needs, this could be a toss-up for average users. Around front, the LG packs a 5-megapixel camera which is the same as what can be found in the Galaxy S6. Again, unless you use the front-facing camera much or have more serious needs, this may not matter much.

Battery

LG would win here if it were strictly up to capacity; the 2700mAh battery is just a bit higher than Samsung’s 2550mAh unit.  But, Samsung’s comes with wireless charging out of the box. And, as if that weren’t enough, it’s designed for quick wireless charging. Then again, if your battery lasts all day long then it might not matter how quickly it charges if you’re only doing it at bedtime.

Availability

You can pick up the Nexus 5X directly from Google and pair the unlocked phone with any major service provider. Samsung’s phone is also available direct to consumer, but US customers will fork over more money if they want an unlocked version.

Price

Perhaps one of the most important aspects in purchasing a smartphone, the overall cost often determines if a phone is “too rich for our blood”. Moreover, it’s price that helps us determine whether a certain feature is worth spending the cash or if we’re actually content with a little less.

The Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB version; with the 32GB variant pricing out at $429. For the sake of comparison, the Galaxy S6 will set you back about $580 for the T-Mobile 32GB version. Bump that up to 64GB and you’re looking at $660 (for a limited time) and the phone’s still tied to the carrier. In other words, the Nexus 5X sticker is considerably cheaper and there’s carrier flexibility, too.

Other important aspects

The Nexus 5Xcomes with a fingerprint reader on the rear, which is used for security and authentication. Depending on what you plan to do with your smartphone, this could be a make-or-break factor. Samsung’s fingerprint sensor is on the home button on the front.

Worth noting, the Nexus 5X comes with a USB Type-C charger. Why is that important? Well, we venture to guess you’ll need to get some new cords and chargers for the house and car if you plan to juice up throughout the day. This means some added cost to the bottom line. The Samsung Galaxy S6 still uses the micro USB port for charging and works with every single one of those cables we’ve collected over the years.

Samsung has included its own added security features, KNOX, to its phones, but Google has started integrating that into Android at a platform level. While this was a bigger Samsung selling point in the past, it’s one of those things that simply comes with Android today.

Another key area to consider is the recently launched Samsung Pay service. If you get used to using it for your quick and painless credit/debit card purchases then you’ll want to stay within the Samsung ecosystem. But, given we are in the very early days of its competitor, Android Pay, there’s no reason to try either one out.

Summary

We love that the Nexus line is stock Android and is supported with updates for at least a few years. Samsung has gotten better at rolling out major updates but it’s sometimes a pain in the butt when they do arrive. We’ve had plenty of reports of people complaining of slowness after getting a new version of Android.

The Nexus line is one of our favorites in all of smartphones and we’re super pleased to LG partnering with Google again for 2015. LG seems to have stepped up their game for the Nexus 5X, hoping to repeat the cult-like following that the 2013 Nexus 5 received.

Samsung is still one of the first names in smartphones and you can’t really go wrong with a flagship device. We appreciate that it has been producing better looking (and feeling) models over the last few generations and think they’re sexy as hell.

Which phone is right for you? You’ll have to weigh what’s important to you and decide if it’s worth the extra money to go with the Samsung over the LG. If you’re paying for your handset outright, we have to give the nod to the Nexus 5X. But, financing makes it easier to stomach, especially with upgrade options offered by carriers.

Note: Portions of this post’s content is also used in other head-to-head comparisons.

HARDWARE SHOWDOWN: LG Nexus 5X versus Motorola Moto X Pure Edition

Andrew Myrick
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2

We’re smack-dab in the middle of a heated smartphone release cycle which means consumers have some really great new devices to choose from. If you are in the market for a new device, the next few weeks will provide you with a number of excellent models to consider. Two such handsets are the LG Nexus 5X and the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition.

The Nexus 5X is the newer of the pair, however there’s only a couple of weeks separating them. In other words, we might as well consider them both brand new. Let’s take a look at what makes up these two and see how they stack up against each other. To do so we’ll start with a head-to-head chart from our friends over at Graphiq.

[spacer color=”264C84″ icon=”Select a Icon”]


[spacer color=”264C84″ icon=”Select a Icon”]

Software

As you likely know, hardware isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to picking out a smartphone. Software plays an important role in helping decide which model might be best for you. To that end, the Nexus 5X comes out ahead because it runs the absolute latest in Android.

Dubbed 6.0 Marshmallow, the newest release brings about a number of new features and native support for others. Google Now On Tap, for example, provides contextual answers and information to users without any effort. Other goodies found in Android 6.0 include support for USB Type C charging and fingerprint verification.

Perhaps one of the best features is the new way in which Android will hibernate apps and services to prolong battery life. As we all know, whether it’s fast charging or wireless, batteries could always use some help.

App permissions get smarter and more intuitive with Android 6.0, too. Customers will find that they have more control over which permissions are granted on an app; developers win with a better user experience that doesn’t ask for all of these requirements ahead of launching the app.

Either phone is going to give you a stock, or near stock software experience that is clear of any bloated carrier-backed apps. The Nexus will likely win in the long run with what expect to be more timely software updates, however Motorola has proven to be quite supportive of its older models, too. Really, it’s hard to go wrong with either one.

Customization

Although the Nexus 5X comes in three color options for 2015 (Carbon, Quartz, Ice), the advantage still belongs to Motorola. Thanks to its Moto Maker tool, the Moto X Pure Edition can be designed with more than 1,000 color, accents, and even back cover finishes. If you are looking for a phone that is uniquely you, you won’t beat Motorola.

Storage capacity

The Moto X Pure Edition is offered in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. As for the Nexus 5X, it comes with only 16GB or 32GB capacities. Depending on your needs, and how much you rely on cloud backups and storage, this could be a moot point. Since both devices have options for 16GB or 32GB, the winner here is the Moto X Pure Edition due to the fact that you can go up to 64GB of storage. Additionally, the Moto X also offers microSD card support, so that sets the LG Nexus 5X a little bit further behind.

Camera

If you are the kind of person who looks strictly at specifications, the Motorola camera bests the one found in LG’s phone. But, until you see actual photos and consider your own needs, the jury is still out. We’re very curious to see how the 1.55 micron sensor looks, especially for low light conditions. As for not having optical image stabilization, that’s a bold move on Google’s part.

Around front, the battle is pretty equal due to the 5-megapixel sensor in the LG Nexus 5X while the Moto X Pure also includes a 5-megapixel shooter. Because of the fact that they are both 5-megapixel, this battle may come down to overall performance in regards to which can take the best selfie.

Battery

The Moto X Pure takes the cake in the battery department, but not by too much. The LG Nexus 5X features a 2750mAh battery, while the Moto X Pure Edition is sporting a 3000mAh battery. We’ll see how well Android Marshmallow does with their Doze settings, and if the latest version can really extend battery life by that much. Keep in mind, Motorola is usually right behind the Nexus devices with software updates, so it may not be too far off before Android Marshmallow makes its way to the Pure Edition.

Availability

You can pick up the Moto X Pure Edition from Motorola.com and pair it with any major service provider. This is essentially the same thing you’ll find in the Nexus line as Google sells it through its own store.

Price

Perhaps one of the most important aspects in purchasing a smartphone, the overall cost often determines if a phone is “too rich for our blood”. Moreover, it’s price that helps us determine whether a certain feature is worth spending the cash or if we’re actually content with a little less.

The Moto X Pure Edition starts at $400 for the 16GB model with 32GB coming in at $450 and the 64GB option at $500. If you opt for a premium finish case (leather or wood), then look to add another $25 to the cost. The Nexus 5X starts at $379 for the 16GB model, with the 32GB variant coming in at $429. Either way, you’ll be saving some money with the Nexus 5X compared to the Pure Edition.

Other important aspects

Indeed, each phone has a few details that help to separate them from the rest of the pack. The Nexus 5X comes with a fingerprint reader on the rear, which is used for security and authentication. Depending on what you plan to do with your smartphone, this could be a make-or-break factor.

Something else worth noting, the Nexus 5X comes with a USB Type C charger. Why is that important? Well, we venture to guess you’ll need to get some new cords and chargers for the house and car if you plan to juice up throughout the day. This means some added cost to the bottom line. The Moto X Pure Edition still uses the micro USB port for charging and works with every single one of those cables we’ve collected over the years.

Summary

Which phone is right for you? We can’t answer that for you. You’ll have to weigh what’s important to you decide if it’s worth the extra money to go with the Nexus 5X. And, really, it’s not as if you have to settle for a Moto X Pure Edition. We simply love that phone and will gladly recommend it to anyone and everyone. LG seems to have stepped up their game for the Nexus 5X, hoping to repeat the cult-like following that the 2013 Nexus 5 received.

The Nexus line is one of our favorites in all of smartphones and we’re super pleased to see LG partnering with Google again for 2015. It’s only a matter of time before we see these two devices in a hands-on head to head comparison, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Note: Portions of this post’s content is also used in other head-to-head comparisons.

Nexus 5X and 6P: Moving forward with a couple steps back

Josh Noriega
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21

What would a phone launch be without an AndroidGuys impression? Even more so, a duo Nexus phone launch. Everyone now knows the full scoop (and the barrage of leaks can thankfully stop). As the dust settles, I’d like to know to how Nexus fans received the news. I know one thing:  everything wasn’t perfect in Nexus-land, and it still isn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, we did get some stellar devices. And the Nexus 5 sequel happened, which means that Google listened! That in itself is such a good thing.

Each new Nexus phone is a top-performer. The Huawei-made Nexus 6P has a more-reasonably sized 5.7″ display (compared to the monstrous 6″ screen in last year’s Nexus 6). It has a considerable battery at 3,450mAh. The latest USB Type-C port includes super fast charging (unlike the OnePlus 2). The fingerprint scanner is speedy and doesn’t require you to turn the phone on first (unlike Galaxy devices).

[df-gallery url=”https://www.androidguys.com/gallery/huawei-nexus-6p/”%5D

The LG-made Nexus 5X scales very nicely for it’s cheaper pricetag. The inferior Snapdragon 808 SoC will make little difference compared to the 810 (although, the 2GB of RAM is a little tough to swallow). We have the same important features of the Nexus 6P:  12.3MP (1.55 µm pixels) rear sensor, USB Type-C port, and fingerprint sensor.

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

All this is fine and dandy, but I just can’t get past the fact that Google stepped backwards in a couple ways.  One of those is minor (at least I hoping) – the exclusion of OIS on the rear camera. Google claims that the larger pixel size of the sensor (which lets in more light, not unlike HTC’s Ultrapixel approach) negates the need for OIS. I’m not completely convinced on that, but I will give Google the benefit of the doubt until we get a review unit.

6P_camera

The other nag is a bit more bothersome. Did you hear any mention of wireless charging in the Nexus announcement?  It’s because neither phone has it.  If this is the first time you’re hearing this, I’ll give you second to collect your jaw from the ground.

Google created the wireless charging phone, with the Nexus 4.  And every Nexus phone had it since then.  Why on Earth would Google abandon the future?

You may argue that fast wired charging makes wireless charging pointless, because it’s slow. That doesn’t mean you abandon it. That means you work to improve it. Look at what Samsung did recently, the Note5 and S6 Edge+ have fast wireless charging.

And what are you supposed to tell everyone that invested in wireless chargers everywhere in their home, car, and work?

/rant

Do you agree with my view of the launch?  Are you satisfied or disappointed with the Nexus of this year? Sound off in the comments below!

GoGroove BlueSYNC RST Alarm Clock Speaker review [with coupon code for our readers!]

Josh Noriega
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0

[dropcaps]I love when products evolve to keep up with the times. With the success of the smartphone came the death of some dedicated devices for many people, such as the compact camera, mp3 player, and home phone system. Also, remember the days you had a dedicated alarm clock by your bedside? Where you could satisfyingly slam on the snooze button whenever that dreadful sound started up?[/dropcaps]

Well, GoGroove is trying to see if that dedicated alarm clock could make a comeback, packed with a multitude of modern functionality. Allow me to introduce the BlueSYNC RST.

DSC03742

At its core, it’s an alarm clock, but it doubles up as a bluetooth speaker. And for another modern touch, you can effortlessly tap your phone on the top of the device and quickly pair via NFC (if your smartphone has it – I’m looking at you OnePlus). Let’s check it out.

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Design

The design of the RST is fairly basic. We essentially have a cube (almost). Display is on the front, controls are on the top, speakers fire from the sides, and I/O is on the back.

The build is plastic, as one would expect. It’s a suitable plastic; I don’t get a feeling of cheapness or that the device will fall apart whatsoever. Although, it’s just meant to sit in one place, primarily being an alarm clock. GoGroove has been in the accessory game for a while, and quality with this device meets expectation.

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I like the feel of the plastic up top, which is great because this is where you’ll interact with the RST the most. It’s a smooth, soft-touch material. The buttons are large, which I appreciate, so they’re clear to tell apart and easy to press. They also have a satisfying click when pressed.

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Most of the buttons are clear to their functions, such as the “Zzz” to snooze, volume up/down, or power button. For a couple of them, such as the “S” button, a quick look at the manual got me up to speed (it’s a Source selection button). The NFC button stands out most of all, distinctly colored in blue.

The display on the front is big and bright. The font is in a digital clock form and has a blue-hue. The different functions light up as they’re activated, such as Bluetooth pairing or a set alarm. No complaints here, the display does its job.

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You may have noticed a small structure sticking out from the top. It is conveniently a smartphone/tablet dock. GoGroove did not forget the fact that your phone is still going to be by your bedside, so there’s a nifty place for it to rest.

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While this is a nice and thoughtful addition, I wish GoGroove would’ve incorporated wireless charging somehow. This could’ve been a significant selling point. There is a wired way to charge your phone, via a USB outlet from the back of the RST. Just bear in mind you may need to rest your phone horizontally on the dock, if the placement blocks your microUSB port.

Functionality

There is a slight learning curve for setting up the alarms and settings, but nothing a quick look at the manual doesn’t solve. There are two alarms, which is great for redundancy in my case. I’m a heavy sleeper and sometimes don’t remember turning off the alarm.

I had a slight hiccup with getting connected the first time. I placed my phone on the NFC symbol, but it wasn’t pairing. I figured out that you have to press the power button first (then the bluetooth symbol lights up), and then you can pair. I’d argue that the RST should automatically turn on bluetooth as soon as it detects an NFC contact. After all, the point is to be effortless and intuitive. But it was a minor hiccup.

Setting the alarm is another area I wish was a little more intuitive. When you press the button, it shows “rad” on the display. Press it again and it shows “bu”. I didn’t know what to think of it. Looking in the manual and you’ll find that those are two different sources of which to wake you, “rad” for radio and “bu” for a buzzing sound. You then press “Source” to be able to start setting the alarm time with the +/- buttons. Not the most intuitive system.

As expected, there are buttons to control playback:  Previous track, next track, pause/play, and volume. You can also answer/end calls. GoGroove included a remote with the RST. It’s a nice addition if you mess with the device a lot and don’t want to keep walking up to it. It is compact and includes control for all the functions.

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On the rear we have a USB port (to charge your phone/tablet), Aux In (if you prefer to use a wired audio signal), time setting button, volume buttons, antenna (for FM radio), and power input.

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The bluetooth range is great. I managed to get about 50 feet before the signal started cutting out.

Sound Quality

The RST has considerably sized speakers, which shoot out from the sides. This isn’t GoGroove’s first crack at bluetooth speakers. With that in mind, I can say that the sound quality was good. It won’t blow you away or replace your more expensive sound system. It gets the job done.

There is considerable loudness, it is good at filling the room. The sound quality is a little on the thin side, but not too bad. Bass is particularly done well in my opinion. It can deliver a satisfying punch.

When I held my ears close to the speakers, I can hear a little static. It may have to do with the antenna, because this thing can also output FM radio. But when giving it a little distance, the music takes over and it’s clear.

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Final Thoughts

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The GoGroove BlueSYNC RST is an interesting device. It’s been a while since I’ve had a dedicated bedside clock. The modern touches add new life to the purpose.

Once I learned how to set it up, it was smooth sailing from there. Although, I would urge GoGroove to make it even simpler, since you might meet some hesitance in asking people to go back to the old ways.

I don’t see everyone buying into this concept, but if you listen to music in your bedroom a lot, the RST should be a consideration. I like how well the sound fills the room, the ease of mind from a redundant alarm, and nice place for my phone to sit.

*GoGroove was kind to include a discount code for our readers (purchasing the RST through this Amazon link). Enter “RSTSAVER” at the checkout and it’ll get you $10 off.  The discount only lasts until Monday, Oct. 5th.

HTC announces One M9+ Aurora Edition, Butterfly 3 for international markets

Josh Noriega
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0

Google obviously stole the spotlight this morning with its barrage of announcements, but HTC had some things to say as well.  We’ve previously heard about HTC’s event in Japan, and suspected that variants of the top-end One M9+ and Butterfly J would be discussed (rather than the One A9, which was just teased).  Turns out those rumors where true.

One M9+ Aurora Edition

htc-one-m9-plus-aurora-press

Looking past the silly name, we essentially have a One M9+ with upgraded camera abilities.  The sensor is bumped up to 21MP from 20MP.  This may sound like an unnecessary upgrade, but it appears that the real value is due to HTC switching sensors.  We now have OIS on-board.

Additionally, to aid focusing speed, HTC forwent the depth-sensing duo camera for a laser autofocus.  The camera already has Phase-Detection Autofocus (PDAF), so now it switch between them to make best of the situation.

Other than this, we’re looking at a very similar device as the standard M9+:  5.2″ QHD display, MediaTek Helio X10 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and 2,840mAh battery.  The One M9+ Aurora Edition was only announced for Taiwan, arriving on Oct. 5th for NT$20,900 (~$630).

Source: HTC

Butterfly 3

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The Butterfly 3 is a rebranded Butterfly J (previously offered in Japan only).  This will be an “international” variant.  It holds a lot of HTC’s top-end specs this year, but cheaper due to it’s plastic body.

The Butterfly 3 still has the secondary duo sensor on the back for depth control with images.  The main rear sensor is 20MP with OIS.  You’ll also notice a significant sensor on the front, which will provide 13MP high-res selfies.

Other specs are a 5.2″ QHD display, Snapdragon 810 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD expansion), and a 2,700mAh battery.  Also, this guy is rated for IPX5 and X7 water and dust resistance.

The Butterfly 3 will first launch in Taiwan on Oct. 20th, with the promise of other markets in the future.  However, I wouldn’t hold your breath to see it overseas.  It is priced at NT$19,900 (~$600).

Source: HTC

What is Nexus Protect?

Josh Noriega
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1

Today, we finally heard all the details about Google’s duo of Nexus phones.  One interesting detail that may have slipped by is Nexus Protect – Google’s new insurance program for ease of mind when choosing a Nexus.  Everyone seems to have insurance in some form or another, let’s go over Google’s approach.

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Nexus phones come with a one year warranty against hardware failures by default.  With Nexus Protect, Google up’s that to two years.  Also, you’ll have two years to not worry if your butter-fingers let you down and cause your precious phone to fall to its death.  If this does occur, Google states that you’ll get your replacement as early as the next business day.

Google says that the program will protect your phone up to 2 incidents.  Although you purchase the insurance when buying the Nexus phone, the claims won’t be handled by Google.  They’ve partnered with Assurant Solutions, so this is where you make the claim.

However, note that if your device malfunctions on its own in the first year, you still call Google (according to their support documentation).

The cost of the insurance is proportional for the Nexus phones.  The price to cover the cheaper Nexus 5X will be $69, while the more expensive Nexus 6P will run $89.  There is a deductible, at $79 a claim.  It seems like that deductible price applies to either Nexus phone.

Another interesting fact is that the coverage stays with the phone.  Therefore, there’s no complication if you sell the phone, and it can even be a selling point to the buyer.

What do you think about Google stepping into the phone insurance game?  Are the prices reasonable?

Source: Google | Google Support

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