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Facebook Messenger: A New Review (review)

There’s a cool app available on the Play Store. It was born as an off-shoot of another popular app, a data-based chat app that allows the user of the parent app to communicate privately, one-on-one.
It has since become its own standalone app, and quickly became one of the most popular apps of all-time. It has also become its own platform, capable of allowing other developers to create functions, capabilities, and bots (!).

That app is…………Facebook Messenger.

I know, I know; not exactly a new or emerging app the likes of which we usually review. But it’s also an app that has grown in it’s popularity and capabilities in such a short time, we feel that it deserves a new look at it.
Please note; I am not Facebook’s biggest fan, and I actually do have some issues with the way they operate sometimes. That said I do have an account, and do use Messenger quite often. Even with my qualms about the service, it does have some pretty nice features that do obviously make it quite attractive to users world-wide. Let’s take a quick spin through [what I consider] some of the most useful.

Setup

It’s likely you’ve at least tried Messenger before, so this step shouldn’t need much messenger-sign-up-android (1)explanation. If you don’t use Facebook or just aren’t a fan, good news: you don’t need to even have a Facebook account to use Messenger. Just your mobile phone number will suffice. You download the app from the Play Store. Then either connect with your Facebook account or mobile number, and you’re in.

Features

Boy, where to start with this one. The list is long and rapidly growing longer, so let’s go through (what I consider) the biggest features one-by-one:

Integrated SMS

This feature made some pretty serious headlines earlier this year. Messenger can now be messenger_smsused as both your data-based messenging app and cellular SMS texting interface. No, it doesn’t physically take over cellular-based texting, but it reigns in all your incoming and outgoing texts into it’s interface, giving you a single app to open, no matter the message’s medium.
Conventional wisdom may object to this migration, knowing Facebook’s inherit desire to be know all the details of your web activity….Facebook itself has claimed that they pull no data regarding your texts back its servers; it’s only offering this feature [essentially] so you use or stay on the Messenger app that much longer. I guess it’s up to you whether you’re comfortable with that notion.

Integrated Photo & Video Capture

This one’s not a real novel feature, but it’s functionality it top-notch. While in the app, you can launch either your device’s front or rear camera to easily capture media for sharing purposes.

Video Chat

Nowadays not as much breaking-news, but again it works really, really smoothly (though note: this doesn’t work with SMS integration). Just by pressing the blue icon. I say ‘blue’, because it may be gray….this tells you that person isn’t available to take a video call at that time. Neat!

games-facebook_messengerIn-App Games

When in a conversation, just click on the little game controller icon and pick your battle. The list of games is pretty long, and Facebook states it will get longer in the short-term. While gaming has had a limited existence within Messenger in the past, Facebook has just this week released the hounds on the full-boat game offerings.
You can read more about this new feature here.

Contact Codesscreenshot_20161203-221714

Similar to Snapchat, Messenger offers a tile with a scan-able code along with your immediate & pertinent contact info.

Show Location

If you’re wandering around town and are trying to meet up with some friends, Messenger’s location-sharing feature may come in handy.

A Personalized Greeting (if you have a messenger-location-sharing3business/page).

If you have a commercial account or page, Messenger allows you include a greeting, to show up when someone opens the app to send you a message. This is a great feature to setting the tone a customer (or potential one) experiences when interfacing with your brand.

Send Audio Clips (eliminate voicemail!)

I’m pretty surprised this one isn’t more popular than it is. Instead of leaving a phone message (and messenger_audiomaking your friend go through the arduous task of navigating cellular voice mail), you can simply hit the microphone button and leave a voice message right in the app. So instead of having to “dial-in”, the receiver can get a notification and press “play”.  Ahhh…it works so damn well.

Well-Composed Group Chats.

Unlike traditional SMS (where my experience has shown it to be a total mess), Messenger handles group chats with relative aplomb. The main way they accomplish this is giving group chats their own tab, sorting them together instead of mixed amongst all your other conversations (particularly with individuals who also show up in the group chats).

Stand-Alone Desktop App

messenger_desktopOK, this isn’t mobile-based, but I personally use it and it works well. Messenger.com will bring up a streamlined interface that works just like the mobile app; so you don’t have to keep going to your phone while at your desk during the work day (provided your employer is generally cool with this, of course).

Call an Uber. Or a Lyft.

uber_facebook_messengerRight in the app is a menu option to “request a ride”. From here you can choose Uber or Lyft as your service of choice, and off you go….without leaving Messenger.

Pin a Conversation

Within group chats, you can pin a specific thread to the top of your list, so it’s easy to find!

Mute notifications

If you’re trying to get some work done, or have another obligation & don’t want to get sidetracked with a Messenger conversation, you can choose to ‘mute’ notifications from a particular thread for your choice of time (15 minutes, 1 hour, etc.).

Send & receive money

…and Facebook doesn’t even charge for the service. While in a conversation, click on the “$” icon, select the amount you want to send to the person you’re chatting with, and enter your credit card info. Done.

Send your location (though not using Google Maps)messenger-location-sharing-coverphoto

While you may not need this very often, if you do find your and your friends having trouble finding each other while out & about it may come in pretty handy. Simply click on your location, and your friend(s) will be able to view a click-able map to see exactly where you are.

Conclusion

Love it or hate it, Facebook has built a great feature set into a very well-performing app in Messenger. And combined with the crazy-big user base, it’s getting harder every day to justify not using it (or at least having it installed).
Hopefully you found some previously-unknown feature that will come in useful for you. Or, maybe, you may have found your threshold reason to give it a try. Let us know if you have any other must-try features in Messenger!

Donald Trump says bye to his Galaxy phone, welcomes highly encrypted handset

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Today Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. But before the ceremony, mister Trump made a stop to hand in his Android device, which was previously identified as a Galaxy phone.

According to a report coming from the Associated Press, Trump exchanged his device for an unknown locked-down device which was approved by the Secret Services.

Before him, President Obama was also subject to the same treatment and used a heavily modified BlackBerry device which didn’t come bundled with the normal features – for security reasons.

Obama BlackBerryLater on, Obama switched to an iPhone which allowed him to send emails to a select group of trusted contacts and browse the Internet. The report also reveals the President had a phone he used to write tweets one, but rarely pressed sent without consulting with his staff.

Speaking of which, the new President mainly used his now-ex Galaxy phone to send out tweets. Now it’s unclear whether mister Trump will be allowed another device on top of the super secure phone he is expected to use as chief of state. Mister Trump previously said he would like to continue to tweet, even as he steps into office.

Trump TwitterThis will mark an important change for Trump, who was previously easily accessible, even in the days following his election. For example, it was revealed that Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull received Trump’s number from golfer Greg Norman.

But with the super secure, encrypted phone in place, it won’t be so easy to reach the new President anymore. Which must be a relief for the Secret Services.

Samsung’s new app helps color blind people see the whole color spectrum

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Color blindness (or Color Vision Deficiency) is a condition that affects the person’s ability to see color or differences in color. For example, people with CVD see very little difference between red and green.

SeeColors App By SamsungThe ailment affects approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women of the world, so it’s a very wide-spread condition. Luckily there are ways to trick color blindness.

Samsung wants to help people with CVD see the world as it is, so it has partnered up with the Hungarian company Colorite to produce an app called #SeeColors. The piece of software can be used to diagnose the level of CVD a patient is affected with. It also allows individuals suffering from CVD to see a full spectrum of color via Samsung’s Television screens.

The #SeeColors app is available on smartphones and Tizen-based TVs to first identify the level of CVD. It’s then up to a Samsung Smart TVs to recalibrate the screen based on the test results.

Color Vision Deficiency 4Colorite, also manufacturers color correction glasses that can be used by CVD patients when they are on the go and don’t have a Samsung TV nearby.

We should also note that the #SeeColors Smart TV app comes pre-installed on all 2016 Samsung SUHD TVs, while the Android app is available from the Google Play Store and Galaxy App Store for users located in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. You’ll need a Samsung Galaxy phone to run the app (S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and S7, S7 edge).

Color Vision Deficiency 3If Samsung’s new #SeeColors app proves popular, the Korean tech giant might extend its availability in other countries, but we don’t have any information on that topic for the time being.

Would you be willing to pay double for a Google Pixel XL 128GB?

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How badly do you want to get your hands on the Google Pixel XL with 128GB storage? The phone is quite a rare piece of gadgetry not many people own. As we told you before, customers who have ordered one from Verizon have to wait until March to actually get their hands on the device, while the Google Play Store lists the item as Out of Stock.

So what is a Pixel XL enthusiast going to do if he/she really-really wants the phone? They could try Amazon. The online retailer isn’t an official Google Pixel seller, but until not so long ago, Amazon was selling the Pixel XL 128GB for a whopping $1,518.

Amazon Selling Overprized Pixel XLAt the time of the writing of this article, all the phones offered up for sale have been sold out. Which is mind blowing given that the Google Play Store used to sell the same device for $869 plus tax.

Currently you can still the buy the phone in Black or White from a bunch of resellers. One of them is even asking for $1,799 – which is double the Pixel XL’s retail price!!

Overprized Pixel XLDue to the high prices, you can notice the Pixel XL has been given some pretty poor reviews. But don’t go thinking the low star ratings have anything to do with the phone. The Pixel XL is still an excellent device.

But while demand for the Pixel XL continues to skyrocket, there are going to be sellers which are going to try to take advantage of the situation. Still we weren’t really expecting this from Amazon.

New Tag Heuer smartwatch with Android Wear 2.0 due out in May

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The smartwatch market is going down the drain, but maybe there’s a way to save it from drowning.

Lots of people have been saying smartwatches aren’t stylish enough, but that’s not exactly true. Huawei designed a pretty sleek intelligent timepiece and designer Michael Kors is tempting fashionistas with a few models. So what’s the next level, we ask you?

Maybe we’re missing a piece of the puzzle. Iconic Swiss watch makers haven’t been too keen to join the smartwatch trend for various reasons – but mainly because they like to stick with tradition. However, some companies like Breitling or Tag Heuer have gave it a shot so far.

Tag Heuer Color StrapsWell according to a new report, it seems like Tag Heuer is getting ready to unveil a new Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch. The company best known wearable is the Tag Heuer Connected which comes with a 2-year warranty period, at the end of which you can trade the device for a mechanical Tag Heuer watch. Amusing marketing strategy, Tag Heuer!

Anyway, the company’s own Jean-Claude Biver revealed in an interview that the new smartwatch will be out in May. It will arrive in sizes and will take advantage of an improved display, GPS (capable of pinpoint your location within 1 meter radius). Like with the earlier Connected model, Tag Heuer is partnering up with Intel for the processor powering the wearable.

Tag Heuer Wearable 01Biver also revealed the Swiss watch maker sold up to 56,000 smartwatch models since the Connected model launched back in November 2015.

In case you are not familiar with the story, Google is expected to launch Android Wear 2.0 on February 9. On the same date we expect LG to launch two new smartwatches, the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style which will take advantage of the latest Android Wear version.

Nanami Fast Wireless Charger: a good charger for a good price (Review)

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One of the most important things to device users these days is battery life. It’s no secret to our readers that the Moto Z Play is one of our favorite phones when it comes to battery life. The magic formula has yet to be devised by manufacturers and I don’t see this issue getting any better in the coming year.

Our only viable solution to keep our phones alive is to have charging options available in as many places as possible. I’m sure the majority of you have a charger near your bed, in your car, at your desk (or wherever you work), etc. Wireless chargers are a viable option and much more user friendly than your traditional microUSB or USB type-C. We were provided with a Nanami Fast Wireless Charger for review and I have to say, I was pleased with my experience.

Design:

The Nanami Fast Wireless Charger has no aesthetically pleasing features. It has no bells or
whistles of any kind. What it does have is a nice, clean exterior with a matte black finish. In addition to the unobtrusive color, the shape is an ideal viewing angle for utilizing your phone while it is charging. I can easily open and navigate apps, and even swipe text, all while my phone is on the charger. Nanami even designed the internals with the user in mind. With the inclusion of two separate coils, you are able to charge your device both vertically or horizontally (nice for watching videos).galleonph-11394070-1

Technical:

There isn’t much to review as far as technology goes. You plug the charger into a QC 2.0 power supply and it just works. There is a light on the front that turns green while your device is charging (visual indicators are always nice). There is also a microUSB port on the back where you plug it in.

How is charging you say? If you didn’t catch it by the name, or above when i mentioned QC 2.0, this is Fast Wireless charging enabled; meaning if your phone accepts it, you can charge faster than your normal wall charger. In fact, this device charges my Galaxy S7 faster than the Samsung wireless charger.

Overview:

This charger is nothing to write home about. There are no bells, whistles or fancy artwork. It is everything I have ever wanted in a charger. With a price tag below $20, I have exactly ONE complaint about this device, it doesn’t come with the charger block. If you are looking for a clean looking, functional wireless charger, I could not recommend this one more.

Snag this charger at Amazon for just $18.99 with Prime shipping!

Make your home more secure with wireless cameras [How-To]

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Over the last few weeks we have been on a journey to making our homes just a little bit smarter. The next thing on my list is security. We already talked about setting up locks to work wireless and make your life a little earlier; today were going to talk about a way to make you feel a little more secure about leaving your pets and loved ones home alone, cameras.

Cameras have gotten considerably cheaper and more user friendly over the past couple of years. There are now a multitude of options out there to that can function with your smart home features or your cell phone. Lets get right into it.

Prerequisites:

SmartThings_AppFor the purposes of this how-to, we are going to speak toward a device that we have already discussed in this series, SmartThings. You will need:

  1. SmartThings app installed on your mobile divice
  2. SmartThings hub set up in your home
  3. A SmartThings compatible camera (Netgear Arlo, Samsung Smartcam HD Pro)

Peace of Mind:

for the purposes of this we will review the setup for the Samsung Smartcam HD Pro. Setup for the Arlo is very similar.

  1. From the SmartThings app, open up the Markeplace
  2. Tap on the Camera option under the “Things” view
  3. Select the Samsung SmartCam HD Pro
  4. Tap “Connect Now”
  5. Follow the instructions to set up the camera
  6. After tapping next, the SmartThings hub will locate the camera
  7. Choose which area the Camera belongs to and tap the Next button
  8. Create a password for your camera
  9. Choose to communicate wirelessly or skip wireless setup
  10. Finally, tapping Done will complete the setup

The wireless setup and other optional setup options are available and can be found on the SmartThings setup page. You can now watch captured video clips or watch live video directly from the SmartThings app.

What is your thought on home security cameras? Do you use a different camera system? Drop us a comment below and share your thoughts.

Ulefone Gemini launches with dual rear cameras, 5.5-inch FHD display, 3250mAh battery

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After a tossing about the rumor mill the last few weeks, Ulefone has officially launched its latest device. Known as the Ulefone Gemini, it’s the company’s first to pack two cameras on the rear.

Rather than offering a 13-megapixel shooter on the back, the Gemini also features a 5-megapixel unit. The former is designed for general imaging while the latter picks of depth of focus for blurred backgrounds and more professional pictures.

Around front, the Ulefone Gemini has an interpolated 8-megapixel camera for selfies; beautification software helps to enhance photos, giving you the best look possible for social media.

Powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the phone draws strength from a MediaTek MTK6737T 1.5GHz processor with 3GB LPDDR3 RAM. Additional details include 32GB internal storage, microSD expansion for 25GB cards, a fingerprint reader, and 3,250mAh battery.  The 5.5-inch display comes in with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels; the screen is protected by 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3.

The Ulefone Gemini is housed in a metal unibody which was carved by a CNC machine from a block of magnesium-aluminum alloy. According to the handset maker, an Android 7.0 update is expected in the coming months.

Ulefone Gemini Launch 1

Color options for the Gemini include black, silver, and gold. Pricing has not been disclosed just yet, but Ulefone is offering a $70 discount coupon toward the phone ahead of its launch. An exact launch date should be revealed in the next few weeks. In the meanwhile, head to the website for the Gemini to learn more and sign up for the coupon.

Slither.io brings the popular browser game to Android (Review)

Overview:

Slither.io is a port of the popular browser game of the same name. While it can be a challenging multiplayer experience, it’s simple and fun to play over and over again.

Developer: Lowtech Studios

Cost: Free (With ads, $3.99 ad-free version)

Impressions:

Slither.io is already a well-established and popular browser game on desktop computers. It is similar to a few other games, like Agar.io and Diep.io that involve a competitive online multiplayer game based around growing your character by consuming other players. In Slither.io, you play as a worm or snake-like creature which you guide with your finger, to collect orbs to grow while trying to defeat other players by making them collide with you without being defeated yourself. The main objective is to reach the top of the leaderboard and survive for as long as possible.

Slither.io is a simplistic game with cutesy graphics and basic one finger gameplay. There is a bit of customization involved, with skins based on flags, colors, and other silly things to make your worm stand out. The real challenge in Slither.io comes from outmaneuvering and outplaying others in order to make them destroy themselves and allow you to absorb them. The game can be downright infuriating at times, with large players dominating the map for long periods and aggressive people out to get the smaller players. However, it’s very addicting and offers a sense of sweet victory when you defeat someone and use their remaining energy to grow. Thankfully the game also offers an AI mode if you don’t want to play online with others.

Slither.io offers a few different control schemes if the default one is too difficult for you. There is a joystick mode, which allows you to steer with an on-screen joystick and two different drag modes where you guide with the tip of your finger. There is also a boost mode that consumes energy to speed up, which can be used in different ways to either attack or survive.

There isn’t too much to Slither.io, besides its simplistic concept and harsh challenge at times. Compared to similar “.io” games, it’s one of the least complex but definitely one of the more fun ones to play. Thankfully there are no microtransactions to speak of, but there are ads. The ads themselves are harmless, but there is a “premium” no ads version of the game for $3.99 which is laughable seeing as the game doesn’t have egregious ad placement and the desktop version is exactly the same and 100% free. Do yourselves a favor and don’t bother with the paid version at all as it offers no added value unless you truly hate advertisements. Also, sometimes the connection when playing online can lag and cause stutter which may inadvertently cause you to die. An unfortunate situation but understandable when dealing with a large-scale multiplayer game spanning hundreds of players at once.

Conclusion:

I really like Slither.io. I’ve played both the desktop and now the Android version and it is a satisfying game when you do well, and offers a challenge that few games of this caliber can offer especially on mobile. I’d recommend it to anyone but younger kids may have a hard time and also the player nicknames can sometimes be a bit NSFW, so be wary of that if you let your kids play. Solid game, be sure to check it out!

Download Slither.io on the Google Play Store

10 glamorous apps for the fashion enthusiast

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Fashion is a staple of someone personality and sometimes you can tell quite a lot of things about a person just by looking at how they are dressed. Traditionally you’d expect ladies to be the big fashionistas of the world, but today a lot of gentlemen are interested in following fashion trends too and the percentage of men who know how to dress properly has grown considerably.

Since we live in an era of technology, it is now super easy to be the first among your friends to know about the latest trends and even replicate some of the hottest celebrity outfits. All you need is to download a few apps on your phone. There are plenty of Android apps in the Google Play Store which aim to make life less complicated for fashionistas. The trouble is there’s lots and lots of them, so you might not know what to choose. Luckily we have done the work for you and cherry picked out some of the best apps for the fashion enthusiasts – male and female alike.

Lookbook

01 LookbookMillennials will absolutely adore this app. Don’t know what to wear anymore? This app provides a rich database of urban chic outfits, so you can easily get the needed inspiration. Lookbook also provides info on where to get a specific item of clothing, so if you really like a blouse or a dress you can actually go out and get it. You can either sign-up or just browse anonymously, but you won’t be able to like or comment on user profiles.

Sylect

02 StylectYour love of shoes is bigger than Carrie Bradshaws’? Well then the Sylect app is for you. It’s basically a Tinder affair for shoes. See something you like? Swipe right. Something you don’t? Swipe left. The app will showcase shoes from well-known retailers and brands such as ASOS, Boohoo, Zara, H&M, Misguided, River and more. Discover new and amazing shoe designs, as well as super discounts and deals. All folded neatly into one app.

The Hunt

03 The HuntNo, the app doesn’t have anyting to do with Thomas Vinterberg’s masterpiece starring Mads Mikkelsen. You should totally watch the film by the way. Anyway going back to the app, let’s image you are at a party and you see someone wearing the skirt of your dreams, but you’re too shy to ask where she got it from.

Instead you can snap a quick photo of the outfit and post it in The Hunt app. Community members will help you identify the item, so you can go ahead and purchase one for yourself. Or they can suggest alternatives. Say goodbye to envy! The app will also allow to do a bit of shopping, by suggesting you pick up some of the trending products.

Chic Sketch

04 Chic SketchIf you have ever fantasized of becoming a fashion designer, this app will bring you closer to your dream. Chic Sketch is a special application among fashion apps because it brings something extra to the table. Basically this piece of software can covert personal photos into custom fashion illustrations.

The app has quite a few bad reviews on Google Play but that’s because you’ll need to pay to have the sketch forwarded to you. The app is free for download but to receive the photo conversion you’ll need to pay $9.99. So keep that in mind if you want to try out the app and only download it if you’re willing to pay for the service.

The app works like this – a user uploads a photo which is then sent to a team of illustrators who turn the picture into a fashion sketch. Be advised that it might take a while before you receive your drawing, depending on how many people are ahead of you in the virtual queue.

Gilt

05 GantLove a good flash sale? Gilt is the place to go when you’re trying to find designer clothing items at affordable prices. The app displays amazing deals on shoes, clothing, outwear and accessories – some of them designed by popular fashion houses like Gucci, Prada and more.

Poshmark

06 PoshmarkIf you’re facing a situation where your closet is filled with clothes you no longer wear, Poshmark is the app to go to for support. Fashionistas can sell old outfits and make room in their wardrobe for new stuff by listing the items they want to sell for free.

But that’s not the only thing you can do with Poshmark. Users can also shop over 5,000 brands in every size. Gets your hands on designer clothes from Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Nike and more at up to 70% off.

Etsy

07 EtsyMaybe you want to stand out of the crowd and wear a clothing item that hasn’t been produced in series. Then the Etsy app should be your destination. The app is home of some great handmade artists and independent designers who offer their unique designs at affordable prices. Actually one of my favorite indie designers NOCTEX has a shop on Etsy, don’t hesitate to check her out.

Vogue Paris

08 Vogue ParisAnyone with a love for couture has certainly heard of Vogue, a magazine which has been at the forefront of fashion ever since its inception in 1892. Now you can get to read the magazine right on your Android phone or tablet. Thanks to the Vogue Paris app (in English) you can take advantage of all the wonderful articles covering fashion, beauty, jewelry and culture.

Snupps

09 SnuppsNot particularly good at organizing your stuff? Snupps is here to help. All you need to get started is snap/upload images of your items and start organizing them on your virtual shelves. How about in real life, you might want to ask? Well hopefully figuring out a plan of how to sort things virtually will inspire you to put it into practice, as well.

The app has a very Instagram-like feel, so if you like that don’t hesitate to download it.

DressingRoom by Gap

10 GapThis last up isn’t out yet but was announced during CES 2017, but it is scheduled to launch later this month. Know you will need a Google Tango-enabled device like the ASUS ZenFone AR to be able to run it.

Basically the app will allow users to try on clothes in an AR experience without them having to exit their homes. Shoppers will be able to select their Gap style, choose their body type and a digital mannequin you can even shape to make it look more like you will model the garment for you. DressingRoom by Gap will also allow users to purchase the item they have tried on.