Fitbit Public Preview adds food & water logging, more as app redesign comes to free users
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LG G4 Smartphone w/ 32GB flash GSM 4G LTE (factory unlocked): $350 shipped (Orig. $600)
B&H offers the Unlocked LG G4 32GB Smartphone in Black Leather for $349.99 shipped. That’s $100 off the original list price, $69 less than Amazon’s current listing and the lowest we can currently find. It has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD multi-touch display, Android 5.1 Lollipop, Dual-Core Processor, and a 16 megapixel camera. Amazon shoppers gave it 4.4/5 stars.
OnePlus now sells a $100 handmade leather case for the OnePlus 2
OnePlus came out on Google+ a couple days ago to tease “something luxurious” (and no, we didn’t cover it at the time because we aren’t going to simply regurgitate all of the company’s endless marketing ploys), and now that “something” is available for purchase. Apparently, it’s a $100 leather case, handmade and built specifically to fit the OnePlus 2…
The case comes from a company by the name of Hard Graft, known for its premium accessories for a variety of smartphones. It’s “handmade in Italy,” built with “buttery soft leather,” and comes with a couple pockets for storing credit cards and cash. And while it’s currently “Out of Stock,” you’ll be able to grab one from the OnePlus store for $99 + shipping.
My first instinct is to criticize OnePlus because, well, it’s really easy to do. But this isn’t the kind of thing that OnePlus deserves criticism for. These kind of cases are more than popular in (majority) iPhone part market, and it makes sense that OnePlus would try to capture some of those kind of buyers on the Android side. The company’s website definitely looks familiar, too.
![Speck_DFI_Ad_CS-Stacked-Cube_728x90_v1[2]](https://9to5mac.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/speck_dfi_ad_cs-clear_rev_728x90_v1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Samsung working on super-efficient 6GB LPDDR4 RAM chips for next-gen smartphones, tablets and PCs
In a blog post this morning, Samsung has announced that it is mass producing the world’s first 12gigabit (not to be confused with gigabyte/GB) LPDDR4 mobile RAM. It’s based on the company’s impressive 20-nanometer process tech and will enable the company to make higher capacity, faster, more powerful chips that fit into the same space as the current crop of flagship RAM modules…
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Sony’s new Xperia phones will set you back a pretty penny
Sony has struggled in recent years to stand out in an ever-crowded smartphone market. During a keynote yesterday that saw Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai say that the “best is yet to come” for the Japanese technology company, we got to see a slew of much-anticipated Android-powered Xperia Z5 smartphones. We did not, however, learn what the prices would be. Now it seems we have, and they’re not cheap…
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Samsung reveals its Gear S2 smartwatch ahead of IFA 2015 kick off
Samsung has — notably 4 days before IFA 2015 is set to kick off in Berlin — announced its round Gear S2 smartwatch by way of a press release. The device, which is absent of any hint of Google’s Android Wear smartwatch operating system, has a circular 1.2-inch screen, sports Tizen-based software, has 4 GB of onboard storage, and packs fitness features like S Health and Nike+ Running. Also, there’s a 3G model…
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New renders show ‘Moto 360 Sport,’ purportedly coming in November
The Moto 360 is set to get a complete refresh at IFA later this week, and up to this point we’ve only seen what look to be two variants of the device. There’s apparently a smaller watch and a larger watch (reportedly called Moto 360S and Moto 360L, respectively). Now, well-known leakster Upleaks is giving us a look at a “Sport” variant of the smartwatch, featuring bright colors and some kind of fitness tracking software on board…
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Fossil & Intel show off upcoming round Android Wear smartwatch
Watchmaker Fossil is about to launch a new Android Wear-powered smartwatch in collaboration with Intel and today we get our first look at the device during Intel’s IDF developer conference in San Francisco (via Engadget).
The Android Wear smartwatch, which is scheduled to arrive later this year, comes alongside two other wearables from the companies including other wrist worn devices — a bracelet and a more traditional-looking, connected watch that aren’t powered by Android Wear.
It’s not exactly much to look at, as it appears to have a design a lot like the rest of the round Android Wear devices on the market. But apart from looking a lot like a Moto 360, we do get a sneak peek at some variations planned for the device including a selection of metal and leather bands.
No word on pricing or exact availability, but you can expect to hear more in time for the holidays later this year.
Huawei invites for September 2nd event in Berlin hint at mystery ‘S’ model
Huawei has started sending out invitations to an event on September 2nd in Berlin, Germany. The invites fit in perfectly with previous speculation that the Chinese manufacturer would use IFA as its platform to launch a new smartphone. What’s interesting about these invites is that they seemingly hint at the name of the upcoming device.
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Samsung sets aside $86M for compensation & prevention in wake of 70 cancer deaths, 200 illnesses
Samsung says that it is setting aside 100B won ($85.8M) for compensation and prevention measures after some 200 of its employees contracted cancer through contact with dangerous substances. Samsung last year issued a “deep apology” for what was then believed to be 56 cases.
Reuters reports that illnesses such as lymphoma and leukemia resulted from prolonged exposure to either radiation or dangerous chemicals at Samsung’s chip and display factories …
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Report: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to get August 13 unveiling in New York City
For some time now it’s been predicted that Samsung will skip the noise of IFA in September and choose to launch the Galaxy Note 5 in August. We had heard previously that Sammy was planning an event for its flagship phablet on August 12th. Business Korea, however, stepped in this morning with its own information claiming the Note 5 is being launched just a little later than that.
According to the publication’s sources, Samsung will host an unveiling event in New York City on August 13, during which it will announce both the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus.
Report: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ due to be announced on August 12, released August 21
By now we’ve heard multiple rumors and reports on Samsung’s next generation phablet. In today’s latest report from SamMobile, the publication claims that it knows when the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ will be unveiled and released to the public. Citing its “insiders”, the report states that the Galaxy Note 5 will be announced on August 12th and be available to buy shortly afterwards on August 21th.
Android Lollipop now landing for Galaxy Note 3, Note Edge on Sprint
The Android Lollipop updates just keep rolling in, and today’s no exception. Sprint has just published support pages documenting the release of Android Lollipop for the carrier’s Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note Edge smartphones…
Many users are already reporting that the update has hit their device, so you should go check System Update > Update in Settings to see if it’s available for you yet. “Software updates may be released in stages and can take several days for delivery,” Sprint says, though, so don’t get nervous if you don’t see it yet.
Google just yesterday updated its distribution numbers for Android Lollipop, revealing that the mobile OS just recently managed to pass 5% in adoption. Hopefully as more and more Lollipop updates are released (like these), that number will slowly start to make its way up.
T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3 now receiving update to Android 5.0 Lollipop
Hot on the heels of the Verizon HTC One M8 receiving its update yesterday, T-Mobile has announced today that its Galaxy Note 3 variant is now being updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop as well. According to a support page on the carrier’s site, the update began rolling out to users today and holds the N900TUVUFOB5 build number.
9to5Toys Last Call: Galaxy Note 3 $295, Amazon free app – Trainyard, LG G3 w/ $100 Amazon gift card, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Samsung N9000 Galaxy Note 3 32 GB factory unlocked for GSM networks: $295 shipped (Reg. $500)
Amazon free Android app of the day: Trainyard (Reg. $3)
LG G3 w/ free $100 Amazon gift card for $0.01 w/ 2-yr contract or $479 w/o
Google Nexus 9 16GB WiFi (white): $320 shipped (Reg. $400)
Google Play Birthday Sale: $0.99 albums from Beck and Drake, $3 movies, discounted apps, more
Daily Deals: JBL USB computer speakers $25, Samsung Smart 20MP camera $279, microSD Cards from $10, more
Amazon Gold Box – up to 50% off computer accessories:
– Toshiba 3TB Canvio External Hard Drive $90 (Reg. $140)
– Belkin Thunderbolt 2 dock $240 (Reg. $300)
…and dozens of more deals
SanDisk’s groundbreaking microSD card will stuff an extra 200GB in your MacBook, GoPro, more
Small States Review – Bolt Briefcase from WaterField Designs is an ideal work and travel companion, $249 giveaway
More new gear from today:
WD My Passport Ultra 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive $80 shipped (orig. $140)
- New! Games/Apps: LEGO Marvel Super Heroes $15, NewsBar reader $3, iOS freebies, more
- New! Harman Kardon NC Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones $125 (Reg. $200), more
- New! Audio-Technica Headphones: PRO700MK2 on-ears $128 (Reg. $170+), ATH-ANC7B over-ears $100 w/ pickup (Reg. $160), more
More deals still alive:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnkVkwH2qbE?rel=0]
Readdle’s wireless printing app Printer Pro goes free on iOS for the first time (Reg. $7)
- Jabra Solemate Bluetooth Speaker in black $60 shipped (Reg. $95+)
- Beats Studio Wired Over-Ear Headphones $230 shipped (Reg. $300)
- Elgato 256GB Portable Thunderbolt Drive $368 shipped (orig. $500)
- Pioneer’s SPH-DA120 adds Apple CarPlay to your car for $445 (Reg. $600)
- Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS $140 (Reg. $170)
- Amazing Indie Game iOS sale: up to 50% off Kingdom Rush, Banner Saga, more
- Dr. Seuss Birthday Sale: up to 80% off more than 60 iOS book apps/collections
- OontZ Angle Bluetooth speaker by Cambridge SoundWorks $28 Prime shipped (Orig. $70)
- Samsung 55-inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED HDTV $700 shipped (Reg. $800+)
- 3-pack of Apple-certified MFi Lightning Cables $21, 4-pack $27 Prime shipped
New products & more:
Mad Catz brings console style controllers to Android devices with the L.Y.N.X.3
- Radically upgrade your PS4, Xbox One or Wii U hard drive for $100 or less
- Free Xbox Live Gold Games for March: Rayman Legends, Tomb Raider, more
- Netflix March Preview: House of Cards S3, Aziz Ansari Live standup, Mad Men S7, more
- These AA and AAA batteries can be recharged from any USB power source
- Control Siri, iTunes and your iPhone’s camera from afar w/ Satechi’s Bluetooth buttons
HTC One M9 announced in 4 colors, 20MP sapphire camera, more – available this month
One of the worst-kept tech secrets in recent memory, the HTC One M9 was finally announced today on stage by CEO Peter Chou at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. None of the specs were much of a surprise though the 20 megapixel sapphire camera and new configurable DotView cover will make some headlines. Under the hood is Qualcom’s new flagship 810 processor which HTC calls the fastest mobile processor in the world.
As for the appearance, I’m not sure I’m a fan of the Dual-Tone finish tweeted below but that beats the Pink version of the M9 IMHO.
[tweet https://twitter.com/htc/status/572052425693138944]
Me? I’ll skip the Sense 7 and will take a GPE if/when it comes out thank you very much.
Huge gallery and hands-on video below. We’ll have more HTC updates as they happen.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 $295, LG G Pad w/ LTE $90, Griffin Lightning cable $10, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Today’s can’t miss deals:
Samsung N9000 Galaxy Note 3 32 GB factory unlocked for GSM networks: $295 shipped (Reg. $500)
LG G Pad V410 AT&T GSM Unlocked 7-Inch 4G LTE 16GB Tablet: $89.99 shipped (Reg. $300)
Griffin MFi Apple-Certified retractable Lighting cable $10 shipped (orig. $20)
Belkin Secured Wired Keyboard for Samsung Micro-USB Tablets: $10 shipped (Reg. $30)
Amazon Gold Box – JLab headphones up to 80% off: in-ear buds w/ mic $10 Prime shipped, more
More new gear from today:
Xbox One w/ 2 controllers & 3 games $349 shipped (Reg. $443+), PlayStation 4 + free PSTV $400 shipped (Reg. $470+)
- New! Target turns up the heat on Best Buy/Amazon by slashing its free shipping threshold
- New! Games/Apps: Hyrule Warriors $49, Xbox Live Gold $40, King of Fighters $1 ea, more
- New! Daily Deals: Sennheiser Sports Headset $20, Acer 27″ Monitor $170, more
$50 eBay gift card for $45 shipped (10% off) http://t.co/iwhOHc2gIT pic.twitter.com/WgOi2kEjVk
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 23, 2015
More deals still alive:
- Stack these two Microsoft promos for 200GB of OneDrive storage for free
- Sony 48″ 1080p Smart HDTV (refurb) $400 shipped (orig. $650)
- Etekcity portable wireless Bluetooth speaker $16 Prime shipped (orig. $46)
- TP-LINK AV200 Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit $21 shipped (Reg. $30+)
- Grab Lightroom 5 at a steep discount w/ free external storage
- VIZIO 50-inch 4K Ultra HD 120Hz Full-Array LED Smart TV $698 in-store (Reg. $1,000)
- Samsung 50-inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED HDTV $599 shipped (orig. $1,200)
- Hunger Games: Catching Fire eBook free (Reg. $7), iTunes movie trilogy $30 (Reg. $55)
- Patagonia jackets, shirts & accessories up to 50% off: Down Jacket $137 (Reg. $229), more
- Audio-Technica Pro Headphones: ATH-M40X $79 (Reg. $139), ATH-M30X $55 (Reg. $99)
- BJ’s 1-Year Inner Circle Membership + $25 Gift Card $35 (~$75 value)
- Amazon Fire TV streaming media player $34 w/ Sling TV subscription or $84 w/o
- Mass Effect Infiltrator is IGN’s free iOS game of the month ($4.99 value)
New products & more:
- The latest batch of Halo toys: authentic Needler blaster and McFarlane’s new Master Chief
- Gaming For Couples: Captain Toad Treasure Tracker and Kirby & The Rainbow Curse
- Rovio releases new matching puzzle game ‘Jolly Jam’ for iOS and Android
- Trendnet’s new 1200 AV2 MIMO equipped Powerline kit is now available
- Ray’s 4.8-inch touch screen Super Remote takes TV watching out of the dark ages
- Marshall’s Major II headphones with updated audio and same iconic style are now available
- Kitchen Tech: Spherification lets you make your own caviar from fruit juice, more
- Make awesome ice spheres, cubes, Death Stars, diamonds and more for only $10
- Take your iPhone 6 Back to the Future with this highly detailed Delorean case
- Truffol’s wood/aluminum USB chargers w/ protection power up to five devices
Lamborghini unveils luxurious Tauri 88 gold and leather smartphone for $6,000
If you can afford to spend upwards of $200,000 on a brand new Lamborghini, then chances are you are doing quite well for yourself. If that is the case, then look no further than the luxury car maker’s new Tauri 88 smartphone in gold and leather. For just $6,000, you are getting an Android-based smartphone with some impressive specifications under the hood. You can’t miss this deal.
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Samsung staff braced for redundancies as company set to announce annual personnel changes
Many Samsung employees are expected to lose their jobs in the next week or two as the company is set to announce its annual personnel changes early next month. The company recently reported a 74% drop in mobile profits and is planning to produce 30% fewer smartphone models next year in the face of increasing competition from Chinese brands Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei.
Dramatically slowing sales of its flagship handset led the company to shore up its share price with a $2B stock buyback …
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Standalone Moto 360 leather and metal bands now available for $29.99/$79.99
Motorola announced earlier this month that it would soon begin to offer interchangeable leather and metal bands for the Moto 360, and today, those accessories have gone up for sale. A standalone leather band for the Moto 360 runs $29.99 and is available in either cognac (brown), stone, or black. Metal bands cost $79.99 and are available in light and dark finishes.
Android 4.4.4 now available for T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
T-Mobile is currently rolling out Android 4.4.4 to its version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition. While it’s not Google’s latest flavor of its mobile operating system, the last version of KitKat does patch a few potential security holes, which makes it a must have for anyone rocking this device.
Samsung investing up to $3 billion for second smartphone factory in Vietnam
According to a new report from Reuters, Samsung plans to invest as much as $3 billion toward opening its second Vietnam-based smartphone factory in an effort to produce hardware at a lower cost. An unnamed government official confirmed that the project is ongoing, and a Samsung spokesperson shared that the company is in talks with the government over the investment.
South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) has applied for a license to invest $3 billion in building a second smartphone factory in northern Vietnam, a government official said on Monday.
Note 4 and Edge design choices as much about feel as look, says Samsung
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzur9xyxc6s&start=055]
Explaining some of the design choices behind the recently-released Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge, which Samsung dubs ‘Modern Sleek,’ the company said in a blog post that feel was as important as look.
Modern Sleek is not just about being modern, but also being warm and emotional. One thing the designers did not want to do was to use metal and give out the sense that the device is too hard and cold. That’s why the soft cover has a leather pattern – of the finest leather from Togo, which is considered to have one of the best feeling.
Feel was also key to the new S Pen, said the piece, involving changes to both hardware and software.
If you try out the S Pen of the Galaxy Note 4, you will definitely notice the difference. It will feel much smoother and more natural, just like handwriting. […] The designers tried using numbers of materials for the tip of the S Pen for the right feeling [and] it even recognizes how much the pen is tilted so that users can control the thickness of the writing.
Details like the curvature radius of the Edge were trickier than expected.
Finding the right curvature rate for the Edge Screen was one of the most challenging parts, [needing] to look clear from every angle [and] give the right sense of grip.
The video (in Korean with English subtitles) has a fairly cringeworthy fake interview style, but we can’t argue with the results.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 3: Ultimate Comparison (Video)
Today we’re going to be comparing Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 to its predecessor the Galaxy Note 3. Samsung made many improvements to the Note series where it counts, but are they enough to warrant an upgrade? Well, without wasting any more of your time, let’s going ahead and find out…
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 unboxing and first impressions (Video)
When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 4 back at IFA 2014, we were very excited about the new design and improved specifications over the Note 3. As you would expect, Samsung bumped up the internal specs to keep things current with today’s market, but they also made massive improvements to the display and build quality…