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Acoustic Research unveils two indoor/outdoor wireless speakers at CES

Scott Webster
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Acoustic Research, makers of wireless audio solutions, and a subsidiary brand of VOXX International, has unveiled a pair of wireless speakers at the annual CES trade show. The new speakers are actually an update of an existing one plus an actual new model.

“Acoustic Research continuously adds to its speaker family while never faltering on the side of both style and functionality,” said Ian Geise, President of Acoustic Research. “Whether you’re indoors or out, these speakers blend into any home environment perfectly, while constantly producing high-quality, dependable sound.”

First up is the Hatteras Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, a tower that sits about two feet tall. Priced at $199.99, it delivers sound via a pair of 20-watt amplifiers and a large, enhanced bass radiator.

Hatteras
Hatteras

In addition to the Bluetooth connection, listeners can also play music via the 3.5mm auxiliary input. Designed to withstand different types of weather, the Hatteras works both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to a 360-degree multi-color LED strip, the speaker can put on a light show in a variety of modes.

The Heartland Wireless Speaker comes in with a more affordable $49.99 price tag and promises “sound quality and clean design”.  With up to 12 hours of music playback, the speaker includes a 360-degree LED candlelight feature. So, while you’re chilling out to a down tempo playlist, the speaker is setting the mood, too. Pair it together with a second Heartland and you’ll have a true Bluetooth stereo sound that reaches even further.

The Hatteras Bluetooth Wireless Speaker will be available later this spring; however, the Heartland Wireless Speaker is available now.

Use Google Home to control your lights with Hue [How-To]

AndroidGuys
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In our quest for making your home the smartest of all the smart homes, we have brought you things like controlling your thermostat with Alexa and controlling your home with WeMo. Today we bring you a simple way to set the mood with custom lighting controls with the Phillips Hue. In case you don’t know, Hue is a wireless lighting kit that is controllable by a mobile app, or in this case by Google Home (or Alexa).

Prerequisites:

Of course, there are things we assume are completed prior to this setup.

  1. You have purchased and set up the Phillips Hue system
  2. You have the Hue App installed on your phone
  3. Have a Google Home with an associated Google account
  4. Have the Google Home App installed

Setup:

Now that we have all of the boring stuff out of the way, lets get into how to make your life just a little bit easier.

  1. Launch the Google Home application
  2. Tap the menu button in the upper left corner
  3. Tap on “Home Control”
  4. Select the “Philips Hue” option
  5. Google Home will find your lights (You may have to press the button on your Hue bridge again for Google Home to find them)
  6. Scroll through your lights and assign nicknames to more simply voice control your home

BAM, you are all done! In no time you can have your thermostat, outlets, light switches and bulbs all controlled by voice. What other Smart Home devices do you have? What devices would you like to see us cover? Leave us a comment below to let us know.

Alcatel A3 XL with 6-inch display offers Android 7.0 Nougat on the cheap

Alexandra Arici
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Yesterday, Chinese company TCL talked a bit about its future business model and publicized the fact that its portfolio includes the BlackBerry and Alcatel brands.

Alcatel is mostly known for its affordable devices and at CES 2017, the company also had a new product to show us – the ginormous Alcatel A3 XL phablet.

alcatel-a3-xl-pink-hue

If you love talking on huge phones, then you’re going to love the new Alcatel A3 XL and it’s 6-inch display. However, spec wise the device isn’t too interesting. It’s biggest selling point might be that it’s running Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Apart from that, expect really low-end specifications.

We have to give it to Alcatel, the A3 XL’s promo shots are quite gorgeous but misleading. So instead of turning out to be an awesome phablet, the A3 XL proves to be quite a boring device.

alcatel-a3-xl-blue-hue

The phone has a 6-inch IPS LCD display with 720 x 1280-pixel resolution and 5-point multi-touch. Meh.

On the inside sits a MediaTek MT8735B quad-core chip clocked at 1.1GHz working hand in hand with a flimsy 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. In the photography department, we have a boring 8MP main camera capable of shooting 720p video at 30fps. As for the selfie snapper it’s of 5MP variety.  The phablet also has a fingerprint sensor located on the back.

The battery sustaining the huge device is a 3,000 mAh one, which might seem insufficient. However, keep in mind that the A3 XL features a low resolution and not a very demanding processor. Android 7.0 Nougat should also help preserve battery life.

Now the Alcatel A3 XL might have been announced in the States, but it will not be sold in the country. The phablet is aimed at developing markets such as Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. It will make it out in Q1 2017 with an unspecified price-tag attached to it.

NUU Mobile’s latest unlocked X5 flagship has a pretty interesting feature

Alexandra Arici
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NUU Mobile isn’t a name very well-known by smartphone enthusiasts, which is a shame really. We found that the company’s Z8 flagship was a pretty great device coming with capable specs and a low price-tag.

Well NUU Mobile was also present at CES 2017 this week and unveiled a brand new unlocked smartphone called the NUU X5. The flagship comes with a 5.5-inch display with FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and Smart Gestures technologies, encased in a sleek all-metal body.

nuu-mobile-team-at-ces-2017

On the inside, the NUU X5 takes advantage of a MediaTek octa-core MT6750 chipset clocked at 1.5GHz working in concert with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via 128GB).

NUU Mobile says the device has 13MPx camera features (both cameras have 13MP sensors?), a fingerprint ID, G-Sensor and a 2,950 mAh battery. A big selling point is that the NUU X5 ships out with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box unlike other affordable handsets.

sneak-peek-at-nuu-x5-3

The phone is also the recipient of Konnect i7 – which NUU Mobile calls “Your Travelmate”. The technology gives international travelers access to services everywhere in the world by enabling PSTN voice calling service with effective cost and customized access and data consumption control, no contract needed or sign-up fees.

sneak-peek-at-nuu-x5-2

The NUU X5 will become available in March for an undisclosed price tag (it’s bound to be affordable) and will be offered by the company’s official website and select retailers.

Coolpad Conjr touches down in US as $180 unlocked phone for T-Mobile, AT&T

Scott Webster
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You don’t have to watch the industry all that close to understand that the unlocked smartphone space is getting increasingly more competitive. More and more we’re hearing of brands and handsets that were unfamiliar to us only one or two years ago. Over the next few months and years consumers are going to purchase from phone makers they’ve never heard of – and they’ll be just as good as anything else they’ve owned.

One brand hoping to make a bigger splash in the US is Coolpad. Although they’ve produced phones since 2012, it’s had a tough time making much headway. Things will likely change, though, as it was recently purchased by a much bigger company in LeEco.

Coolpad’s latest phone, announced this week and already available, is the Conjr. Priced $179.99, it competes with the likes of Motorola’s Moto G series, a number Blu models, and a few entry-level devices from other international brands.

coolpad_conjr2

Powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a custom Cool UI 8.0, the Coolpad Conjr offers up a 5-inch display at 1280×720 pixel resolution. Running the show are a quad-core Mediatek (1GHz) processor with 3GB RAM; storage is pegged at 16GB internally with an microSD expansion card slot for more.

As for cameras, the Conjr comes with an 8-megapixel front-facing shooter and 13-megapixel rear unit. Both include LED flash and an f/2.2 aperture and the rear includes auto-focus and optical image stabilization.

The battery, which is non-removable, is listed at 2500mAh and should be sufficient for more basic users over the span of a day or more. Other specs include 4G LTE support for T-Mobile and AT&T, dual-SIM slots, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a fingerprint sensor.

Given the smartphone space is crowded at the $200 price point, the Coolpad Conjr might have a tough time making a go at things. On the other hand, it already has relationships in place with T-Mobile. And, when you have a company as big as LeEco backing you, the pockets and potential influence are rather deep.

Verizon intros Kyocera DuraForce Pro with Sapphire Shield display for extra strength

Alexandra Arici
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For professionals working in dangerous environments or just those who are prone to accidents, Verizon just introduced the Kyocera DuraForce Pro smartphone. The device takes advantage of the Verizon-exclusive scratch-resistant Sapphire Shield display to add even more durability.

But that’s not all, the Kyorcera DuraForce Pro boasts a rugged shell that is MIL-STD 810G certified for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure solar radiation, salt fog, humidity, immersion, temperature shock and freezing rain – basically anything you can think about.

kyocera-duraforce-pro-back

To make the phone even more impenetrable, Kyocera has bestowed water resistance capabilities on the phone, meaning the device can survive being immersed in 6.5 feet of water up to 30 minutes.

Nothing can get past the DuraForce Pro, as the device can detect when things get damp and immediately switch to Underwater Mode, while moving the camera controls from the touchscreen to the physical buttons. Speaking of which, the phone can be controlled using gloves as well.

kyocera-duraforce-pro-profile

As for specs, the DuraForce Pro features a 5-inch display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution and relies on a Snapdragon 617 to keep the lights on. There’s also 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a 13MP/5MP camera combo and a 135-degree wide-view action camera. The phone relies on a solid 3,240 mAh battery and runs Android 6.0.1 out of the box.

kyocera-duraforce-pro-profile-2

Verizon says that the Kyocera DuraForce Pro is aimed at professionals, so with this in mind customers will find Android for Work onboard. The service will allow to keep personal and work files separate, among other things.

If the Kyocera DuraForce Pro sounds good to you, you should know you can get it from Verizon for $0 down and $17/month for the 24 months. Or you can choose to pay $408 in full.

FYI AT&T was already offering a version of the Kyocera DuraForce Pro.

Fossil debuts a trio of hybrid watches that pair with Android phones

Scott Webster
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Watch maker Fossil today announced three new “hybrid” watches as part of its growing Q line of wearables. Falling somewhere between the full-on touch experience of Android Wear and activity trackers, the threesome of new models pair to your smartphone and offer tracking and notifications.

The trio, the Q Accomplice, Q Modern Pursuit, and Q Grant, will arrive in spring of 2017 and will carry prices that range from $175 to $215. Like other models in the Fossil Q family, the slim hybrid range blend fashion, craftsmanship, and functionality. And, in looking at others in the hybrid series, the new watches look right at home and every bit Fossil.

All models in the Fossil Q wearable line are compatible with Android 4.4+ and iPhone 5+ (running iOS 8.2+) and connect via Bluetooth. All hybrid watches from Fossil include activity tracking, date, alarm, and notifications (calendar, calls, text, and email).

Here’s a quick look at the different models being released in the coming months.

Q Accomplice

Designed to be your daily companion, the Q Accomplice is the slimmest wearable in the Fossil Q hybrid line. Details include a “slim case body, unassuming updated face details, and delicate design details highlight our watch designers’ goal to create the most functionally beautiful and elevated hybrid smartwatch”. With support for up to three customized pushers (Fossil Q app), offers up an always-on gauge that’s tailored to the wearer.

Q Modern Pursuit

The Q Modern Pursuit delivers bold colors and graphic iconography that make it easy to glance at your watch for reminders and notifications. The analog sports hands with slim tips and silicon straps ensure the watch is comfortable to those with more active lives.

Q Grant

The Q Grant draws inspiration from more traditional and vintage watches but still manages to include the functionality we expect today. A simple analog design, it includes highlighted red pointers on the watch hands and easy readability. This one is aimed at the everyday activity and lifestyle.

New Balance’s RunIQ smartwatch runs Android Wear, syncs with Strava

Alexandra Arici
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Just because smartwatches sales have been decreasing at an alarming rate for the past year, doesn’t mean some device makers are done making intelligent timepieces. Look at New Balance which announced a new Android Wear smartwatch at CES 2017.

Called the RunIQ, the wearable is designed for sporty people who enjoy workouts and running. As New Balance puts it, the RunIQ is hoping to “help athletes take performance to the next level with the ability to run, track, and listen unthered.”

runiq-smartwatch

The device comes equipped with a circular 1.39-inch display and an Intel Atom Z34XX processor nestled under the hood working with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. The RunIQ takes advantage of a heart rate monitor, GPS and a battery that can sustain a 24-hour life cycle or a 5-hour one with the GPS running.

The RunIQ smartwatch features a host of functionalities meant to sustain the user’s daily workouts. The wearable can Sync with Strava so runners can share their workout stats with a global community of athletes without having to open the application a mobile phone.

The Map Every Workout! feat taps into the built-in GPS functionality in order to track course, pace and distance of your run. With Keep the Pace users can track run times and intervals with a dedicated one-tap LAP button.

RunIQ can be used to read notifications for call and social media and reply while in transit. Last but not least, New Balance knows runners love to listen to music so it has embedded the Bring the Music feature into its smartwatch in order to allow athletes to sync, store and listen to playlists downloaded via Google Play Music.

If you’re a runner and like this Android Wear watch, the good news is that you can place a pre-order starting today. The RunIQ costs $299 a pop and should start shipping out February 1.

Huawei Mate9 to sell in the US for $599 starting January 6

Alexandra Arici
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Hauwei unveiled the stunning Mate9 phablet in December 2016, but so far the device hasn’t reached the States. But that’s about to change really soon. As previous rumors have claimed, the Mate9 is going to become available for purchase in early January – on January 6 to be more precise.

Huawei made the announcement during CES 2017 which is currently under way in Las Vegas. The phone will be carrying a $599 price-tag which is great news considering that in Europe the phablet sells for €699.

huawei-mate9-camera-closeup

But wait that’s not all. Huawei said it partnered up with Amazon to bring Alexa – the virtual assistant –  onboard of the Mate9 – making the device quite unique among its fellow smartphones. Alexa support will be made available sometime in “early 2017” via an OTA update.

Customers can pick the device up in Space Gray or Moonlight Silver. The phone will be waiting for them at Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg and B&H.

huawei-mate9-hybrid-sim-card

In case you don’t remember what the Huawei Mate9 is all about, let us remind you quickly. The phablet features a 5.9-inch display with 1080 x 1920-pixel resolution (yes, Huawei does not believe in QHD displays) plus a Kirin 960 chipset.

Huawei throws in 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (hybrid SIM slot available, so users can add a microSD cardslot to expand memory up to 256GB) plus a fingerprint scanner located on the back.

huawei-mate9-back-view

But the Mate9’s biggest selling point is probably the Leica curated dual camera setup on the back. It consists of a 20MP + 12MP combo capable of f/2.2, OIS, 2x zoom, phase detection & laser autofocus and dual-LED flash. As for selfies, users have an 8MP camera at their disposal (f/1.9).

The phone is kept alive by a 4,000 mAh non-removable battery and runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

ZTE Blade V8 Pro is an apt competitor for the Honor 6X

Alexandra Arici
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ZTE announced the unique Hawkeye smartphone at CES 2017, but that’s not the only new smartphone the Chinese company revealed during the event. The device maker also launched the ZTE Blade V8 Pro, which leaked a few days prior to the event showing us a dual camera setup.

The smartphone is one of those premium medium-ranger devices we have seen more and more on the market. The Honor 6X quickly comes to mind, especially since the handset has been launched during the same event.

zte-blade-v8-pro-front-view

Anyway, the ZTE Blade V8 Pro has a 5.5-inch display with full HD (1080 x 1920 resolution) and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 coating. It is powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor in combination with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (microSD card slot available for expansion up to 128GB). Note that the phone features a hybrid dual-SIM support, which means you can add either 2 SIM cards or one SIM card and a memory card (just like with the Honor 6X).

Smartphone photography enthusiasts will be glad to know the ZTE Blade V8 Pro rocks a main dual camera setup made up of two 13MP sensors. There’s also an 8MP selfie shooter located in front.

zte-blade-v8-pro-is-sleek

Moving on, like any self-respecting middle-ranger, the ZTE Blade V8 Pro comes equipped with a fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button, an USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The phone is kept alive by a 3,140 mAh battery with Quick Charge 2.0 support. Last but not least, the ZTE Blade V8 Pro runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and maybe just maybe it will get a taste of Android 7.0 Nougat in the future.

For those interested in a mid-ranger such as this one, then you should know the ZTE Blade V8 Pro is already available for pre-order in the US for $299.98 outright. You can get it via ZTE’s online store or through Amazon, B&H and Newegg.

FYI: Until January 17, if you order the phone from ZTE’s website you can also get a complementary phone case.

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