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Seven apps to plan the perfect vacation

Alexandra Arici
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Winter is almost over and with the promise of spring and new beginnings comes a renewed disposition to make plans for future travel adventures.

If you already have a few ideas about where you’d like to go next, you can start booking your trip. And, with the help of a few apps, you can qu.ickly get an idea of how much money you’ll need to invest or what you might want to see when you get there.

Below you’ll find a list of relevant apps to assist you with making plans and preparations for your next trip.

Skiplagged

First thing’s first. You need to find affordable airplane tickets. There are lots of apps out there claiming to be able to find you the cheapest flights available. But Skiplagged takes advantage of a special trick called “hidden city ticketing”.

Basically, you book a flight past your destination, with your target destination as a stop on the route, and pay less than if you would fly directly. Skiplagged will show you such hidden deals. Let’s say you’re looking to get from Milwaukee to Detroit, but the app shows there are flights from Milwaukee to St. Louis with a stop in Detroit for a lot less.

So you book the MKE to STL flight and just not get on the connecting flight after it lands in Detroit. It sounds a bit unethical, but it works! Obviously, there are some risks, not to mention inconveniences. For example, you won’t be able to check a bag, or it will end up being dispatched to your destination city.

It’s also worth mentioning, airlines do not approve of this practice. US Airlines actually filed a lawsuit against Skiplagged a few years back, but if you’re willing to look past these issues, you can get Skiplagged a try and see what fairs it can find for you.

Download Skiplagged

Agoda

Now that you’ve got yourself a cheap flight, the next item on your list should be finding accommodation. Agoda is an app which helps you uncover the deepest discounts on hotel rooms, homes and more.

Search for low rates by browsing through Agoda’s database of 1,400,000+ hotels, villas and BnBs. You can get additional discounts of up to 80$ from Insider Deals, Last-Minute Deals or Secret Deals.

Download Agoda

Hostelworld

Looking for something even more affordable? The Hostelworld app is your gateway to accommodation on the budget. The app includes select locations from 170 countries and comes with additional features such as “My Trips” offers travelers the opportunity to discover the best things to see and do at their destination before they arrive.

Hostelworld also has a neat social component called “Hostel Noticeboard that lets you meet up with new friends and get involved in local events and parties.

Download Hostelworld

Guides by Lonely Planet

Ok, you know where you’re going, you have the tickets and you know where you’ll be staying. But what tourist attractions are you going to visit?

If you don’t know much about your destination, maybe it’s time you download Guides by Lonely Planet. This is a collection of expert-curated city guides that you show you the best places to visit. Everything works offline, so you don’t need to be connected to the Internet to access the information within (including maps).

The app also offers a selection of audio phrasebooks for 19 languages, which might come super in-handy when you’re trying to interact with the locals, as well as a currency converter.

Download Guides by Lonely Planet

Freespace

Hey, but what about those travelers who are required to go on a last minute trip? Is there an app for them? Of course, there is. Take for example Freespace, an app which aims to ease the stress of having to secure accommodation for an unplanned trip.

With Freespace, you can get a room on location! By using the “Here and Now” tool, users can find the most attractive prices and book a nearby room in four easy steps.

Download Freespace

Checkmytrip

Want to make sure you have all the info related to your trip? Use the Checkmytrip app to bring all the relevant info together.

Simply add the trips to your calendar and easily share them with your trip buddies and friends. Checkmytrip will also send notification for flights and let you access online check-in for major airlines.

Download Checkmytrip

Packing List for Travel

Trip coming up? Make absolutely sure you haven’t forgotten anything with the Packing List for Travel app.

Design your Packing list, add items and check them off once you’ve packed them. You can also view items by category (ex: beach) or topic (ex. gadgets) so you can ensure you’re not leaving any essentials behind.

Download Packing List for Travel

ZTE opens up Android 8.0 Oreo beta program for the Axon 7 users in the US

Alexandra Arici
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Back in December, ZTE announced it was working on the Android 8.0 Oreo update for its highly acclaimed Axon 7 smartphone.

Fast forward a few months later and the Chinese company today announced it has opened the Android 8.0 Oreo beta program for Axon 7 users in the US.

You can join the beta program now

So if you want to try out the Oreo experience on your smartphone before everyone else, ZTE invites you to register for the program through its Z-Community.

Launched two years ago, the ZTE Axon 7 originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. Since then it has been updated to Nougat and soon it will make the transition to Android 8.0 Oreo.

ZTE has been listening to users’ feedback, so it will implement a near-stock Android Oreo version on the Axon 7.  Users who sign up for the program through Z-Community can expect to take advantage of the following Android O features and more:

  • Improved battery life
  • Picture-in-Picture mode for viewing two apps at once
  • Google Play Protect – a tool which ensures device safety
  • Notifications dots
  • Faster boot speed when powering the device
  • Android Instant Apps
  • Autofill
  • Minimize background activity in apps not frequently used

Participants in the Android 8.0 Oreo beta program are required to offer feedback on their experience using the new software version on the Axon 7. And if everything goes well, the public release should be with us shortly.

In related news, ZTE is gearing up to unveil the Axon 9, the direct successor of the Axon 7. It’s taken ZTE two years to do so, but the company confirmed we can expect to see the flagship make a debut later this year. When exactly that will happen, we don’t know at the moment.

According to recent rumors, the ZTE Axon 9 is expected to arrive with a bezel-less display and a Snapdragon 845 processor with 6GB of RAM in tow.

T-Mobile is offering a free LG MiniBeam Projector (worth $250) when you buy an LG V30 or G6

Alexandra Arici
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Interested in buying an LG V30 / V30+ or LG G6 from T-Mobile? If the answer is yes, then this might be the right time to do so. The carrier in partnership with LG is offering an LG MiniBeam Projector (PH150G) for free with the purchase of one of the three smartphones.

LG is currently selling the projector for $249.99, so you’ll be getting an expensive gift free of charge. The device connects wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet to project HD content on screens up to 100 inches / 2.5 meters. The embedded battery should last up to 2.5 hours of playtime, giving users enough time to watch a full movie.

Hurry up if you want to take advantage of the promo

The promotion runs until February 22 and is available only for permanent US residents at least 18 years of age. You’ll have to purchase one of the LG phones on a T-Mobile installment plan, after which you need to redeem your gift by March 8.

The LG V30 is available at T-Mobile for $80 down and then $30/month for 24 months, while the LG V30+ – the version with more storage (128GB) can be yours for $130 down and then $30/month for 24 months. The older LG G6 is a bit more affordable and you can grab it for $22 down and $22/month for 2 years.

Even if the offer sounds good, you might want to wait a bit, as LG will launch a new version of the V30, one that comes with an AI-powered camera at MWC 2018 towards the end of the month.

Samsung reportedly drops plans for an in-display fingerprint sensor with the Note 9

Dan Bartram
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One of the biggest complaints about the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 is the placement of the fingerprint sensor. Samsung pushed the boundaries of design with the Galaxy S8 and by doing so naturally had to move the fingerprint sensor that typically sat on the home button.

The next step for the fingerprint sensor was to embed it under the display, and we’ve heard a number of reports suggesting that was the move Samsung was taking. While it was reportedly planned for the Galaxy S8 and the Note 8, the yield rates of the hardware needed simply didn’t pan out. However, it could be that the tech still might not make it into the next-generation Galaxy devices. Renders have already confirmed the Galaxy S9 won’t get the in-display fingerprint sensor, but it was expected perhaps the Note 9 would be the chosen device.

Now, a report by The Bell states that Samsung has dropped plans for the in-display fingerprint sensor for the Note 9 as well. The report states a number of companies have been supplying the tech but the plug was pulled recently due to technical difficulties and the Note 9 will have the sensor placed at the rear of the device too.

Samsung is continuing to work with potential suppliers and has narrowed down the list of companies it is expecting to work with but it seems like things won’t be ready in time for the Note 9.

The tech behind an in-display fingerprint sensor is extremely complex and expectations suggested it would be less accurate than a traditional sensor. However, the first smartphone to get such a sensor built-in to the display, the Vivo X20, seems to be performing well. It is expected, though, that Samsung will transition towards ultrasound sensors and are following this route.

While news of the Note 9 losing out to a sensor on the back is disappointing and will see a struggle for another year of stretched index fingers, I’m sure we’d all agree we’d rather see the tech work flawlessly.

Don’t have a date on Valentine’s Day? These apps might help you find love

Alexandra Arici
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It’s that time of the year again when couples are busy making romantic plans for Valentine’s Day and singles start feeling sorry for themselves.

But why not do something a bit different in 2018? Instead of binging on romantic movies on Netflix that are bound to make you sad anyway, try giving love a chance – again. What? You mean on Valentine’s Day? Precisely.

Technology has made it immensely easier to meet new people, so why not take out that Android phone of yours and install a dating app? Like yourself, other singles might be looking for company and who knows, you might even be able to make Valentine’s Day the scene of your first date. That would be a story to tell your grand-kids, right?

There are quite of few dating apps for Android available right now, including the all-too-popular Tinder, but we’ve chosen to concentrate on some of the alternatives.

The apps we’ve selected for the purpose of this article are all free to download but might come with in-app-purchases.

Before you jump in the game, remember there’s no actual guarantee your efforts will yield any results, but at least there’s a chance you might be able to enjoy a good conversation.

Happn

  • This is a local dating app which shows you singles nearby who also installed the app
  • Easy Tinder-style way of meeting with new folks – you like people and once they liked you back, you can start chatting
  • The app lets you add a quick description, but you can also link your Instagram account to provide a better view of your personality/interests
  • Really like someone? Tap the “Say Hi” button and they will get a notification that lets them know you’d like to chat

Download Happn

Clover Dating App

  • Unlike the majority of dating apps out there, Clover lets you search for friends or someone to talk to – it’s not all about romantic connections
  • It follows the same traditional recipe, you view profiles and decide who goes in the Yes pile and who goes in the Nope pile. Once the other person has liked you back, you get to start talking (Note: if you like someone a lot, but they haven’t seen you or liked you back you can switch to Premium and send them a message)
  • Clover also lets you join mixers and find events around you
  • Users can add interests (example: music, gaming, animals) and link social accounts including Instagram or Snapchat.

Download Clover Dating App

Coffee Meets Bagel

  • Coffee Meets Bagel focuses on quality instead of quantity, so each day at noon you will receive a curated list of men/women in your area. For women, the app prioritizes men who already expressed an interest by liking their profile
  • Once you have a match, you’ll be able to proceed to the private conversation area and the app even gives you a conversation starter to smooth things along
  • You have a limited amount of time to get in contact with the person, or the chat room will close (don’t worry, it can be easily reactivated)

Download Coffee Meets Bagel

OkCupid

  • This app uses a more traditional dating recipe: it will ask you questions and then based on these results it will show you your matches.
  • Or you can simply browse singles in your area (via DoubleTake)
  • Unlike other dating apps, OkCupid profiles can be very extensive
  • Once you’ve liked someone, they will have to like you back in order to get connected
  • You can see if someone messaged you while browsing for new matches on DoubleTake

Download OkCupid

Down

  • Despite its bad rep (it’s an app exclusively for hookups), Down actually has a clean and modern-looking interface (unlike other apps we’ve seen out there, MeetMe comes to mind)
  • However, Down it’s not just a hookup app. If you like someone you can swipe up and request a date. It’s better than the ambiguity of Tinder right where you don’t really know what you’re getting, right?
  • Got a crush on someone? You get to send them a cute secret admirer note and hope their take notice

Download Down

Free phones from T-Mobile and MetroPCS this tax season

AndroidGuys
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T-Mobile, and its prepaid brand, MetroPCS, are offering up some great deals for new and existing subscribers. Framed around the concept of tax season savings, it finds the carriers giving instant rebates and free phones.

T-Mobile

Starting from Friday, February 16, T-Mobile will give customers the opportunity to receive a free LG G6, LG V30, or LG V30+. As a Buy One, Get One promo, the buyer must purchase one of the phones on an Equipment Installment Plan. A second one of equal or lesser value (up to $850) is free after monthly bill credits.

Both general consumers and Business buyers can receive up to six phones through the promotion. What’s more, this deal can be paired with other savings at T-Mobile.

MetroPCS

The prepaid arm has a number of offers for its current and potential customers. For starters, new customers can immediately get up to $150 off any phone instantly when they port an eligible wireless number to MetroPCS and sign up for an Unlimited LTE plan. Essentially, this means free phones from the likes of Samsung, ZTE, and LG.

Current MetroPCS customers can also get in on free phones, too. Add a line to an existing $60 Unlimited LTE plan and you’ll get a $50 instant rebate. In other words, phones like the LG Aristo and ZTE Avid 4 end up free.

If you’ve been a customer for longer than three months, you can upgrade and receive a $50 instant rebate on phones priced $79 or higher — if you’re currently on or change to a $60 unlimited LTE plan.

As a reminder, MetroPCS is running its popular “4 for $100” deal. Available to new or existing customer who port-in at least one eligible phone number, it allows for four lines of unlimited talk, text and LTE data for just $100.

Amazon awards gift cards to users who paid to remove Prime Exclusive Phones ads

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier this month, Amazon announced that it will no longer push lockscreen ads on its Prime Exclusive Phones and, as a result, would increase the price of the devices with $20.

The company has been selling these products ever since 2016 and until recently owners could only get rid of these ads by paying a one-time fee. But with the no-lockscreen ads policy in place, Amazon is now looking to refund customers who paid to have the ads removed.

Prime Exclusive Phones no longer come with lock-screen ads

The Android Police got ahold of an email sent out by the retail giant to one of the affected owners in which the company states it is willing to reimburse him by offering a free gift card worth the amount paid to disable the ads. However, we should note that the customer refund will vary as the discount offered for each Prime Exclusive Phone varied.

It’s a pretty nice gesture on behalf of the retail giant, especially considering that the company is doing the reaching out and not the other way around. Unfortunately a gift card means you with Amazon and nowhere else.

Even with lockscreen ads gone, Amazon Prime Exclusive phones will still ship out with pre-installed Amazon apps.

Users who paid to get ads removed, but haven’t been contacted by the company just yet, should wait a few days. Or they can send an email to Amazon.

How to set your favorite song as alarm on your Android phone

Alexandra Arici
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Alarms – we hate them, but we simply can’t live without them. The best we can do to make the whole experience more pleasurable is to try to find an alarm tune that will gently nudge us to wakefulness. Although heavy sleepers might need a different one.

Now if music is the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, you might want to think of setting your alarm to your favorite song. And thanks to the versatility of Android devices, now you can.

Each Android smartphone comes with its own unique selection of wake up tunes. But if they just don’t do it for you, you can always use your own music library instead. How? Continue reading to find out.

First off you need to get your favorite song on your Android phone, right?

  1. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
  2. The phone’s storage should be visible under Devices and Drivers
  3. Find the song on your PC (preferably in MP3 or MP4 format)
  4. Copy the song onto your phone’s internal storage in the Alarms folder
  5. Once the file has copied, disconnect your phone from the computer

Now that you have the song on your phone, go ahead and set the alarm. For the purpose of this tutorial, I was using a Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016).

  1. Open up the clock app and tap the (+) symbol located in the lower left corner to add a new alarm
  2. Set the time you want to wake up and scroll down until you see Alarm tone and volume and tap on it

  1. You’ll see a list of default tones (offered by Samsung), scroll down until you find the option to Add from phone and tap on it
  2. Now you should be able to see a list of all your songs. Choose the one you want and tap OK

That’s it, folks! Now you’ll be able to wake up to the sounds of your favorite songs. Isn’t this the best?

New LG V30 version with AI-powered camera features coming at MWC 2018

Alexandra Arici
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AI is the next big thing in tech and LG is finally getting on the bandwagon too. Ahead of the Mobile World Congress 2018 at the end of this month, the company announced this week, it is coming to Barcelona to unveil a version of its LG V30 flagship with AI-powered camera features collectively called Vision AI.

The LG V30 gets a 2018 version

The new tech will bring automatic image analysis for shooting mode recommendations to the V30, along with object recognition and shopping suggestions – something akin to what Google did with Lens on its Pixel phones.

The official press release also revealed the V30 will gain a low-light shooting mode that will be able to automatically brighten images in dim environments much more accurately.

Even though LG is jumping on the AI train, the company hasn’t developed its own smartphone voice assistant to compete with the likes of Alexa, Bixby or Google Assistant. Instead, LG has partnered up with Google to offer voice commands for the Assistant that are exclusive to LG phones. 23 such commands were available so far, but the list will grow to 32 this year. LG will add the ability to use your voice to trigger a panoramic photo, image search or low-light photo and more.

LG says that some of the new AI features bound for the V30 at MWC 2018 will make it to some existing LG models too, but it didn’t specify which.

Anyway, if you want to hear all about the new LG V30, you can watch it go live on Sunday, Feb 25.

Android P to get ‘overhaul’ and feature deeper Google Assistant, report indicates

AndroidGuys
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If history is an indicator, we could be a mere three or four months away from officially learning about the next version of Android. Slated to be the “P” release, it should make its large scale debut at the annual Google I/O developer conference. What’s in store for Android P?

What’s on the horizon?

According to a Bloomberg report, the next build of Android should be an “overhaul” which offers support for multiple screen sizes and designs. And, yes, that means the “notch”, too.

apple notchReportedly, a major goal for this iteration is give iPhone users a platform that sways them away from Apple. To that end, it should have an improved look to the software while Apple is expected to offer an OS that’s more behind-the-scenes.

Say what you will about the iPhone X’s notch, but it’s a design choice that is not going away. The Essential Phone already employs the look and there are other phones already in the works which feature the same approach.

Bloomberg indicates that Google will bake in support for multiple screens and foldable displays at the OS level. ZTE’s Axon M is a recent model to include two displays; Samsung and Huawei are among those rumored for a folding screen for upcoming devices.

Deeper smarts

google assistantGoogle will place an emphasis on its virtual helper, Google Assistant, in the next release of Android, says the report. We’d expect nothing less, though, as it was a key factor in the Android 8.0 Oreo experience.

Looking ahead, Google’s voice-based tech could land inside of apps, giving developers even more, smarter, tools. As of now, it’s said that Google is also considering integrating Assistant into the search bar on home screens.

What else?

Given it’s only February, there’s very little known about Android P. Historically, Google gives its releases names based off of sweets or brands. As of now, it’s said that Google is using Pistachio Ice Cream as the code name for this one.

It’s possible that Google gives us a beta look at some of the next-gen features as part of a beta release in the coming months. Should it not, our eyes turn to Google I/O, likely in the middle of May, for those details.

How does Android P sound to you so far?

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