This holiday season is definitely getting merrier, seeing AT&T has released more information on deals that new and existing customers can enjoy before the end of the year.
Just imagine getting $1,000 off the latest Samsung and iPhone devices! That’s massive. What this means is that you could simply get an eligible trade-in for both Samsung Galaxy S22+ and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung Galaxy S22+ retails for $999.99 but qualified customers could get it without paying upfront. There’s a 36-month installment period, and those who qualify are required to pay $27.78 monthly within the deal period.
The device comes in black color. In case you love to choose, the 128 GB capacity is simply $28.78 monthly, while the 256 GB capacity of the same edition goes for $29.17 monthly. The full retail price remains $999.99.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 also has a retail price of $999.99. The 36-month installment period applies as well to this deal. Well-qualified customers put $0 down but there’s a tax on full price due at sale. The device is splendid, arriving with a Bora Purple color.
If you’re looking to get the 128 GB capacity variant, it goes for the price of $27.78 per month. The higher capacity variant of 256 GB sells for $29.45 monthly.
Additional benefits for AT&T’s existing customers
As announced by AT&T, existing customers can get an early upgrade with AT&T Next UP, which allows you to upgrade your device early by turning it in for a new device after paying off 50 percent of its cost.
Customers may also get monthly bill credits toward the new device through engagement in trade-in. Qualified customers may be able to trade in their current devices at this moment. It is important to choose your trade-in when you choose your new device.
There are other deals by AT&T at the moment. These include Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch5 Series, and more. You can learn more about them here.
We’ve covered slim wallets before, but there’s been a new wave over recent years. Consumers are gravitating towards these small, minimalist options and numerous companies have entered the market. I’m a big fan of Groove silicone rings, and they are located in Tennessee, so I was happy to discover they have a new Groove Wallet.
I’ve been testing the Groove Wallet for a few weeks and the company from Spring Hill, TN has a nice option for minimalist fans.
Design
The chassis of the Groove Wallet is an aluminum construction with a plastic card sleeve on the inside. Alternatively to other options, Groove has designed a slightly different ejection process. The entire outside case of the Wallet slides up releasing your cards.
On the opposite side of the slide, you can affix different attachments. This currently includes a metal money clip or a brown or black leather sleeve. Each is attached via a mounting bracket and Torx screws. All of these are well designed and the industrial look of the mount and screws lends to the blue-collar aesthetics of the Groove product lines.
Daily Carry
The functionality of the Groove Wallet is superb. The metal design makes it seamless to slide in and out of your pockets. The weight is super light, and the corners are all chamfered to make sure you have minimal snags.
The same is true for the card mechanism. The slide works every time once you get used to the full movement of the outside layer. It does take a slight learning curve on how to grip and allow the Groove Wallet the slide ejection, but once you get it down it’s a very smooth operation.
I chose the leather sleeve to add to the function of the Groove Wallet. This offers an expandable elastic band to house even more cards and then a dedicated slot for your choice of card. The sleeve offers me ample space for less common cards like insurance as well as my driver’s license atop the main cardholder.
Conclusion
I’ve been overly impressed with Groove Wallet. The minimal design, smooth slide cardholder, and expansion attachments make this a compelling option for slim wallet shoppers. The Groove Wallet strikes the balance of form versus function to perfection.
You can snag the wallet and your preferred attachments from the Groove website. The base case can be had in Gun Metal or Midnight Black. The Money Clip edition is offered in the same two colors and can be bundled with the Wallet for $100. If you elect the leather sleeve it’s an additional $20 charge over the Clip.
The special edition of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion has been unveiled at the Pantone Color of the Year 2023 Reveal Event. It makes its North American debut as the year draws to an end.
The most spectacular thing about the device is that Motorola is the only OEM to offer a phone that features the Pantone Color of the Year 2023. Interestingly, the company is involved in a multi-year partnership with Pantone in the smartphone segment.
The Edge 30 Fusion was previously launched in select European and Latin American countries.
Good design
The device blends performance and beauty with flagship-level features. It is breathtakingly slim, and the design is sophisticated as it boasts Viva Magenta. That’s the new Pantone Color of the Year 2023.
This special edition Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is paired with the new Moto Buds 600 ANC in Pantone to create a striking pair and a new wardrobe staple.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion key specs
The display is 6.55 excellent for viewing your favorite entertainment n “fluid vibrance from edge to edge.” Also, the refresh rate is 144 Hz contributing to smoother streaming, scrolling, and gaming. It performs faster too.
It arrives pOLED & HYDRO+ that offers deeper blacks, sharper details, and infinite contrast. The cinema-quality Dolby Atmos sound is great for improved sound. In addition, the battery power is 4400 mAh able to sustain the device for the day.
You can find more materials regarding the device online.
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is chosen for its balance of performance and beauty. Furthermore, users can find inspiration for everyday adventures as it packs flagship-level performances
Price & availability
The device will be available in the U.S. starting December 12. Lastly, availability is exclusive to Motorola.com as a GSM unlocked device for $799.99. It will also be available in Lazuli Blue for $699.99.
The ZERO 5G 2023 smartphone has been introduced by Infinix, and it arrives with powerful performance upgrades and massive storage capabilities.
The next-gen features offer capacity for uninterrupted use and gaming experiences. The device is super fast, making users to experience new horizons as it leads the pack.
ZERO 5G 2023 offers great speed
The speed is commendable and made possible as the device is the first to make use of the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 6nm 5G chipset. Infinix reveals that there are two ARM Cortex-A78 processors clocked up to 2.6GHz.
This much performance should be sufficient for most basic users and easily handles downloading files, browsing, social media, or streaming. In addition, the device maintains lower power consumption as it aggregates with nearby 4G networks and Wi-Fi to increase bandwidth.
Attractive display
The ZERO 5G 2023 comes with a 6.78 FHD display that’s massive enough for everything Android users need. The bold color enhancement comes with peak brightness of 500 nits. The 240Hz sample rate and 120Hz super fluid refresh rate work to create dynamic visuals.
Users can take advantage of different types screen rate options, and they can also switch between zooming and browsing. Switching between different refresh rates help users to reduce power consumption on their mobile phone.
Camera features
The ZERO 5G 2023 boasts a 50MP AI camera, 2MP depth camera, and another 2MP micro camera. Users can create high quality photos with the Infinix smartphone. Low light shots are reported to possible with amazing results.
There’s also the Film Mode feature to make video editing a breeze. You can be assured this smartphone is able to generate fuller colors and vibrancy. The amazing thing is that it is equipped with 960 fps slow motion technology makes for amazing slow motion technology.
Other key features
Battery: 5000mAh
UI: XOS 12
Engine: Erdal Engine 3.0
AI Gallery
Pricing
The Infinix ZERO 5G 2023 costs is estimated at $239. It arrives in Pearly White, Coral Orange, and Submariner Black.
Android announced new features to wow users as they prepare for the new year. The new features will also be useful during the upcoming holidays. Users will be able to express memories in a better way and enjoy the connections that come with the holiday.
The features
Users can add holiday cheer to photos and messages: Google Photos has changed so users can create shareable collages of their favorite pictures and share them with friends and family. You will enjoy sharing your photo-worthy moments as you pick your photos select the design and also rearrange the layout by making use of simple drag-and-drop controls.
Access your favorite content: It is now easy to find or catch up with your favorite content. Do it your own way. There’s a new Reading mode on Android that creates a good reading experience that is useful for those who are blind, have low vision, or are dyslexic. The setting has among other things a text-to-speech function with speed control. In addition to that, the user can easily access content with YouTube’s new home screen search widget. You can try your Google TV app which makes it easy to find movies and shows from streaming services.
Do more on the go: For example, you could lock, unlock and turn on a compatible car using just your phone. The digital car key makes that possible. It is also possible to share your digital car keys with your loved ones. This is accessible on Pixel and iPhone and will be coming soon to selected Android phones. From the digital wallet app, you can view and change who has access to your car.
These are just three great ways to enjoy the new features of Android. Use them to express memories, magic, and connections that come with the holiday seasons. For a better understanding, and to learn about other features, check out the Android updatespage.
Minimalistic wallets are a going trend. Gone are the days of the giant tri-fold wallets of our forefathers. Those bulky back pocket bulges have given way to a new generation that carries just the necessities: a few cards, ID, and maybe some cash.
Ekster has been at the forefront of this movement for years. The company was nice enough to let us test out its three most popular models: the Aluminum Cardholder, the Senate Cardholder, and the Parliament Wallet. Each shares a common design philosophy but has its own unique feature set.
The Shared DNA
All these wallets revolve around Ekster’s proprietary cardholder system. This plastic sleeve allows for your favorite payment cards to live packed away in this cavity. But when you need them, there’s a small tabbed lever in the bottom corner of each wallet.
This tab triggers the spring system in the cardholder to push the cards out of the top of the unit in a flared array. It’s very similar to how you’d fan a deck of playing cards to see multiple ones at a time. The Ekster system works great to have quick access to the needed card every time.
Each also has RFID protection. This shielding makes sure your cards are always secure while in the cardholder mechanism. This is a great option to make sure your data is safe while in your pocket.
Aluminum Cardholder
The name is pretty literal on this one. The Aluminum Cardholder is a sleek metal shell with Ekster’s card system in the center. The edge of one side is etched with the brand name and at the bottom, you have the card trigger. The rest is just smooth uninterrupted aluminum.
The choice of this metal makes the Aluminum Cardholder the easiest to toss in your pocket of the three Eksters. It’s lightweight and slim. You will mostly forget it exists while carrying it. Which is awesome. Many minimalistic wallets make this claim, but once you pack it with your cards it’s just another wallet. The Aluminum Cardholder understood the assignment and nailed it.
So what’s with the band? Well, just because it nails pocketability doesn’t mean it’s not extendable. The elastic band in some form is an accessory builder for all these wallets. On the Aluminum Cardholder, it can be a simple place to hold cash, or with the extension plate, you can stash a few more cards on the outside of the wallet.
That’s where I’ve landed. I have around six cards in the cardholder and another five in the backplate. It’s become a great combo to get the slim fit of the Aluminum Cardholder and still house my driver’s license, insurance cards, and other credit cards on the outside.
Using the Aluminum Cardholder has been great. I had a larger slim wallet, but this has carried me even further down that path. The cardholder worked without issue carrying my cards and ejected as expected every time.
Senate Cardholder
Let’s move on to the more sophisticated sibling of the Aluminum Cardholder the Senate. The basic design is very similar. Think of it as a leather wrapper Aluminum and you’ve nailed the Senate. The leather has a nice feel and I can see how this would look great after some wear.
Again, the Senate just builds on the foundation of the Aluminum Cardholder. The internal mechanism can hold the same 1-6 cards. The card ejection also works the same with a trigger at the bottom.
Instead of a removable band and backplate, the Senate has a leather plate and band sewn into the wallet. To add to the suave of the Senate, the backplate has a dedicated slot for you to use for a prominent card. Personally, I’ve used this for my driver’s license, but could also be used for a favorited pay card or the Ekster tracker card powered by Chipolo.
As expected, the Senate functions very similarly to the Aluminum. The slim design almost gets lost in your pocket and the leather wrap does add a premium fit. I did find I preferred the dedicated single card slot on the backplate of the Senate. It made me wish the metal one on the Aluminum had this dedicated option.
Parliament Wallet
Next up is the Parliament Wallet. This Ekster option is the most akin to the standard wallet. It has the patented cardholder internally but is housed inside a bifold leather binder. The front has a leather cover and the back has a dedicated card slot.
Inside the outside flap are two more card slots and a sewn-in band for additional storage. All this combined space can hold up to 12 cards. The inside slots on the cover are supposed to hold up to three cards but I’d stick with just two in each or it has trouble closing.
Using the Parliament is a hybrid of old and new to me. It’s slimmer still than a traditional back pocket, but it’s definitely creeping into that territory. Someone who still travels a ton and has to keep physical receipts and multiple cards might find this design more comfortable. It could also be a bridge device to not shock yourself into the slimmer models right off the bad in your minimalistic journey.
I also found a unique issue with both the Senate and Parliament. I have one titanium card in my commonly used credit cards. This card struggled to take the “shake test” with both of these leather card holders. It functions without issue in the Aluminum, but the Senate and Parliament allowed it to slide out.
Conclusion
I can’t say enough good on these wallets. Ekster has nailed the form and function of the slim wallet with all three: the Aluminum Cardholder, the Senate Cardholder, and the Parliament Wallet. Each has its own spin, but all would be great additions to anyone’s pocket.
You can get each model in a number of colors and all have several accessories you can add. Head on over to the Ekster website to shop all your options, or we’ve provided direct links to each model below.
As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, there are more opportunities for our data to be hacked and stolen. Already, any given individual is likely to have multiple apps on their phone that contain personal information such as a home address, email address, family information, and financial information. The field of cybersecurity is here to help mitigate the risks of having such personal information hacked and stolen. Check out the following tips to ensure your Android device is protected against cyber threats.
Keep Your Phone Locked
While it may seem like a common thing to do, not everyone keeps their phone locked with a password leaving data on the phone accessible to anyone. What’s more, many people use an always-on feature where their phone will not lock unless manually locked. This too can lead to a phone always being unlocked.
To keep your personal information safe, always lock your phone with a password. Depending on your Android phone model, you can lock your device with a passcode, your fingerprint, or FaceID. If you use a password, be sure to use a secure password that you don’t use for other personal accounts.
Use a Password Manager
An unfortunately common habit of many people is to use the same password for all their accounts. Doing this is a cybersecurity risk. If one account is hacked, the hacker has immediate access to all your other accounts. That’s why it’s important to use unique passwords for all your accounts.
To keep your Android phone and your accounts safe, use a password manager that stores all your unique passwords. Then, all you need to do is remember one secure password.
Update Your Phone’s Software
Software is never a complete product; there will always be software updates. As companies grow and innovate, they update their software to add new, interesting features to improve users’ experience. However, software updates are not only to add cool features—they are there to improve your phone’s security.
As software is around longer in the public, cybercriminals can experiment with methods to get around firewalls and security features. That’s where software updates are important from a security point of view. Updating your Android device’s software means your phone has the most up-to-date security measures in place to keep your phone safe from cyber threats.
Use a VPN
When you go to a browser on your Android phone, you’re connecting to the internet either through a WIFI network or your internet service provider. All your data is then available to that internet provider. They can see what websites you visit, what you search for, and from where you’re accessing the internet. If you connect to a public WIFI network, there may be cybercriminals monitoring the network and trying to get personal data from connected devices.
To stop cybercriminals, internet service providers, or trackers on the internet from having access to your data, use a VPN. Virtual private networks encrypt your browsing data and hide your IP address giving you optimal data privacy. The best VPN providers will block trackers and malware, and ensure your personal information is safe from any cyber threats.
Only Use the Google Play Store
When people get a new phone, one of the first things they do is install a bunch of applications. Between music apps, news apps, social media apps, banking apps, and productivity apps, many Android devices have tens if not 100 applications installed. While installing applications is okay, you should only ever install an application from secure sources.
If you have an Android device that comes with the Google Play Store, only install apps from that store. Google has strict guidelines on what it allows on its platform, and it ensures the apps available on the Play Store meet specific requirements. Installing application files from the internet is risky as the applications cannot be verified to be free from malware or security risks.
Use Antivirus Software
When people think of antivirus software, they likely think of software that comes default on their computer or laptop. While antivirus is more common on such devices, installing this software on your Android device can help ensure your phone and data are protected. This software works to stop malware from getting on your device and helps block phishing scams and malicious websites.
Several antivirus options are available for Android devices, but it’s recommended to use well-known software. Names like McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, Avast, and Bitdefender are all popular antivirus solutions that have software specifically made for Android devices.
In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Gaming Chair. A premium experience with a high level of detail, the chair is comfortable and built to last. Read on to learn more and listen to the podcast.
Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!
The Secretlab Titan Evo Gaming Chair is a well-crafted chair that blends cold-cure foam, premium leatherette, and a breathable fabric to create one of the most comfortable experiences we’ve tested.
Available in multiple sizes, it reclines 165 degrees with a customizable tension, locks into various positions, and offers multiple angles for the armrests. Suffice it to say, the chair is sturdy and flexible and gets you right in the gaming position that you love most.
Gallery
Features
Neo Hybrid Leatherette
Softweave Plus Fabric
Cold cure foam
Lumbar support system
Memory foam head pillow
NFC Tag for authenticity
Offered in multiple sizes and in branded designs
5-year warranty
Listen to the Episode
Parting Thoughts
Although it doesn’t come cheaply, the Titan Evo Gaming Chair is among the better products we’ve tested in the space. Materials are premium all the way around and lead to an incredibly comfortable experience.
We had a lot of fun putting this one together and we could see the attention to detail from the moment we opened the box. This is a highly flexible chair that’s sturdy and built to last. And thanks to the five year warranty, we know we’re good for a long time.
Where to Buy the Secretlab Titan Evo Gaming Chair
You can learn more about the Titan Evo Gaming Chair at the manufacturer’s website where it’s available to purchase in a variety of colors, sizes, and branded experience. As of today its pricing starts around $440 and goes up from there.
In this episode of the AndroidGuys podcast, Scott Webster and Luke Gaul chat about the Briiv Air Filter. A distinctly unique take on air filters, it’s an eco-friendly device that begs to be looked at. But is it any good? Read on to learn more and listen to the podcast.
Be sure to subscribe to the AndroidGuys podcast through your favorite platform or add the AndroidGuys Podcast RSS feed to enjoy!
The Briiv Air Filter is a relatively small device that helps to remove dirt, dust, allergens, gases, particulates, and other things from your air. Sit it on your kitchen counter, in the bedroom, or on an office desk and it enjoy the benefits of much cleaner air. Not only does it look organic and cool, but it’s powerful and environmentally conscious, too.
The organic and eco-friendly components include coconut and dragon grass, giving it a bit of a terrarium vibe.
Gallery
Features
Uses 90% renewable and natural materials
As powerful as 3,043 medium size houseplants
Biodegradable filters
5V Low Energy
Controlled by buttons or mobile app
2 Year Warranty
Listen to the Episode
Parting Thoughts
In a world full of generic designs, plastic shells, and otherwise boring air filters, the Briiv Air Filter stands above all others we’ve seen. It not only begs to be looked at and even discussed, but it’s incredibly efficient and helpful.
Without question, the Briiv does its job very well. We’ve been impressed with how quiet and effective the air filter is and appreciate that we can control it via the device and mobile app. It’s a perfect companion for those who might like to add some environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced flair.
Oh, and who doesn’t love a two-year warranty?
Where to Buy the Briiv Air Filter?
You can learn more about the Briiv Air Filter at the manufacturer’s website where it’s also available to purchase. As of today it’s priced about $340.
No matter where you’re going or what kind of trip you have planned, there’s no denying that travelling with technology can be tricky. From power outlets to different languages and unfamiliar currency, the digital nomad needs to do some serious research before they leave the house. Thankfully, though, there are apps that can help make your journey as easy as possible—and make you look like an expert to boot. Here are six great apps that will help you travel with technology like a pro.
Google Translate
One of the most useful apps for people who speak multiple languages is Google Translate. This app can translate words and phrases between more than 100 languages, making it easier to communicate with locals. This app is also great for translating menus, signs and other important information. You can even use this app to dictate the text you want translated into another language and then have it spoken aloud by a native speaker from the country you are in.
Expensify
Another great travel app is Expensify, which keeps track of your expenses, and lets you do things like scan receipts and expense reports right on the app. You can also set up alerts to get notified when you’ve reached your budget limit for the day or for the entire trip.
Packing Pro
This app has the traveller covered with an easy-to-use packing list, and the ability to share lists with friends and family. The app also offers style advice for packing outfits, as well as reminders for things like remembering to pack chargers or items that could be prohibited in certain countries.
Google Maps
Wondering how to plan your next vacation without stressing about information overload? Download Google Maps and stay informed on the best holiday destinations in the Philippines. Simply tell Google which area of the world you want to visit and it will give you suggestions for places you might be interested in. Keep scrolling to find out some specific locations, as well as helpful information such as the weather, top things to do in that city or country, and whether or not that destination is kid-friendly.
Citymapper
You’re going to be on the road for long periods of time, so it’s important that you have access to all the information you’ll need. Citymapper will help you get around by telling you exactly which bus or train to take and how long it will take to get there. The app also has maps with public transit options, bike sharing availability and even Uber prices so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Waze
Waze is a free navigation app that is especially great for those who are new to the area and don’t know their way around. You can set up your home and work locations so that it will tell you which route to take to get from one place to the other. You can also share your routes with friends and family if you’re feeling generous.
