New Nexus 9 Tablet for $200, But the Clock Is Ticking

The thing about Black Friday deals is that, while many of them are certainly cheap, not many of them involve brand-name, brand-new devices. That’s what makes this one different: If you act right now right now right now hurry, you can pick up the Wi-Fi-only 16GB Nexus 9 tablet on HTC’s website for $200. That’s half-price.

This particular deal is only available on a limited number of units today, and HTC will not specify how many. The company did say that buyers will have their choice of black or white backings. Once the $200 Nexus 9 batch is sold out, you’ll be able to pick up a 16GB or 32GB Wi-Fi-only Nexus 9 for $50 off the normal price: $350 for the 16GB and $430 for the 32GB. The two-tiered special runs through 9 p.m. PT/midnight ET today.

According to our tete-a-tete posted yesterday, the new Lollipop-running Nexus bests the iPad Air 2 in terms of comfy handfeel, portability, speakers, and software, and its screen is just as good as the new iPad’s. The limited-time $200 price is 40 percent of the price of the 16GB iPad Air 2, so that’s a solid deal.

Of course, you’d be settling for the 16GB version, and the Nexus 9 doesn’t have a MicroSD slot for expanding its storage. Technology expert Mat Honan, a senior writer at WIRED, says “Buying a media device–something designed for pictures and movies and data-heavy apps and games with a mere 16GB of storage–makes about as much sense as buying a gas-guzzling Lambo with a four-gallon tank.”

With that in mind, once the limited supply of two-benjamin Nexuses runs out, you might be better off splurging on the $430 32GB model.

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[New] Android 4.4 KitKat Features and Release Date

Android's latest version 4.4 which is known as KitKat, is just a few days old, KitKat has several hidden features. Android 4.4 KitKat now allows you to perform many tasks with just your voice. Much like Motorola's Touchless Control, you can say "OK Google" - no need to touch the screen - to perform searches, send messages and more. 

Android 4.4 is only available on the Nexus 5, of course, although Google said other smartphones should be able to upgrade in "the coming weeks." (Any phone sold through a wireless carrier will need a carrier-approved upgrade.) 


KitKat is designed to work on a wide variety of devices with different amounts of RAM, even devices with as little as 512MB. But while memory optimization is the biggest change in this version of Android, KitKat also features a wide variety of new developer features and functions app makers will want to learn and exploit.  

• Android 4.4 KitKat Features: 

Android 4.4 KitKat on the other hand is loaded with new features and tweaks. The full list is long and exhausting, but there are some new features in Android 4.4 KitKat that you should know about. 


1. Full-screen Immersive Mode: Now, you can switch to full-screen to see more and simply swipe from the top or bottom edge of the screen to get the buttons back. 

2. NFC: For those with NFC, Android 4.4 introduces a new, open architecture for NFC payments that works with any mobile operator. 

3. Ok Google: This will let you voice search, send a text, get directions or play a song - as long as you're on the homescreen on in Google Now.

4. Improved multi-tasking: Multi-tasking is pretty good in Android already but Google says it's even better in KatKat thanks to memory optimisation and "improving your touchscreen so that it responds faster and more accurately than ever before". 

5. Low-power audio playback: Android 4.4 allows for more hours of audio playback, up to 60 hours on Nexus 5, according to Google. 


6. Calls and messages: The new phone app orders your contacts based on the ones to interact with most and you can also search for contacts or nearby places in the search bar. 

7. Printing: Now you can print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your phone or tablet. 

8. Google Drive: A handy new feature is the ability to save files, from apps like Quick-office, to Google Drive (or other cloud storage providers). 

9. Bluetooth MAP support: Android 4.4 KitKat now supports the Message Access Profile (MAP) so cars with Bluetooth can exchange messages with your device. 

10. Chrome cast support: Google's Chromecast HDMI dongle is supported in 4.4 KitKat for wireless streaming of content such as Netflix and YouTube. 

 11. Chrome web view: Applications that embed web content now use Chrome to render web components accurately and quickly. 

12. Device management: If should lose your precious smartphone or tablet, you can find or remote wipe it with Google's Android Device Manager. 

13. Downloads app redesign: Google has given the Downloads app a redesigned, adding a new sorting options plus list and grid views for all the files you've, er, downloaded. 14. Easy home screen switching: If you love customizing to the extent that you have installed one or more home screen replacements, you can switch between them easily in 'Home' section of the settings menu. 

15. Full-screen wallpapers with preview: Wallpapers now display through the status bar and navigation bar. When picking a new wallpaper, you can preview what it will look like. 

 16. Infrared blasting: Android now supports applications for remote control of TVs and other nearby devices if you have an infrared (IR) transmitter. 

17. Secure app sandboxes: Application sandboxes have been hardened with Security-Enhanced Linux. 

18. Location modes and monitoring: If you make your battery last longer by constantly switching GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile data on and off then there's an easier way in KitKat. 

19. Music and movie-seeking and artwork on the lock screen: From the lock screen you can jump to a specific part of a song or video with a long press on the play or pause buttons. Artwork is now fills the lockscreen. 

 20. Step counting: If you don't want to spend money on a fitness gadget then the Nexus 5 can act as a pedometer to count your steps. 

• Android 4.4 KitKat release date: 

For those of you wondering whether your Nexus 7, Nexus 4 or Google Play Edition of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One is going to get Android 4.4, be patient. Google says the aforementioned devices will all get KitKat within the coming weeks. However, the Nexus 5 will ship with the new platform already installed, as we've all expected. When the update does come, we expect it to be pushed to devices with a notification, or users will have the option of refreshing their software update settings furiously until it arrives.

[Continue reading...]

Android 4.4 KitKat Features and Release Date

Android's latest version 4.4 which is known as KitKat, is just a few days old, KitKat has several hidden features. Android 4.4 KitKat now allows you to perform many tasks with just your voice. Much like Motorola's Touchless Control, you can say "OK Google" - no need to touch the screen - to perform searches, send messages and more. 

Android 4.4 is only available on the Nexus 5, of course, although Google said other smartphones should be able to upgrade in "the coming weeks." (Any phone sold through a wireless carrier will need a carrier-approved upgrade.)

KitKat is designed to work on a wide variety of devices with different amounts of RAM, even devices with as little as 512MB. But while memory optimization is the biggest change in this version of Android, KitKat also features a wide variety of new developer features and functions app makers will want to learn and exploit.  

• Android 4.4 KitKat Features: 

Android 4.4 KitKat on the other hand is loaded with new features and tweaks. The full list is long and exhausting, but there are some new features in Android 4.4 KitKat that you should know about. 


1. Full-screen Immersive Mode: Now, you can switch to full-screen to see more and simply swipe from the top or bottom edge of the screen to get the buttons back. 

2. NFC: For those with NFC, Android 4.4 introduces a new, open architecture for NFC payments that works with any mobile operator. 

3. Ok Google: This will let you voice search, send a text, get directions or play a song - as long as you're on the homescreen on in Google Now.

4. Improved multi-tasking: Multi-tasking is pretty good in Android already but Google says it's even better in KatKat thanks to memory optimisation and "improving your touchscreen so that it responds faster and more accurately than ever before". 

5. Low-power audio playback: Android 4.4 allows for more hours of audio playback, up to 60 hours on Nexus 5, according to Google. 


6. Calls and messages: The new phone app orders your contacts based on the ones to interact with most and you can also search for contacts or nearby places in the search bar. 

7. Printing: Now you can print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your phone or tablet. 

8. Google Drive: A handy new feature is the ability to save files, from apps like Quick-office, to Google Drive (or other cloud storage providers). 

9. Bluetooth MAP support: Android 4.4 KitKat now supports the Message Access Profile (MAP) so cars with Bluetooth can exchange messages with your device. 

10. Chrome cast support: Google's Chromecast HDMI dongle is supported in 4.4 KitKat for wireless streaming of content such as Netflix and YouTube. 

 11. Chrome web view: Applications that embed web content now use Chrome to render web components accurately and quickly. 

12. Device management: If should lose your precious smartphone or tablet, you can find or remote wipe it with Google's Android Device Manager. 

13. Downloads app redesign: Google has given the Downloads app a redesigned, adding a new sorting options plus list and grid views for all the files you've, er, downloaded. 14. Easy home screen switching: If you love customizing to the extent that you have installed one or more home screen replacements, you can switch between them easily in 'Home' section of the settings menu. 

15. Full-screen wallpapers with preview: Wallpapers now display through the status bar and navigation bar. When picking a new wallpaper, you can preview what it will look like. 

 16. Infrared blasting: Android now supports applications for remote control of TVs and other nearby devices if you have an infrared (IR) transmitter. 

17. Secure app sandboxes: Application sandboxes have been hardened with Security-Enhanced Linux. 

18. Location modes and monitoring: If you make your battery last longer by constantly switching GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile data on and off then there's an easier way in KitKat. 

19. Music and movie-seeking and artwork on the lock screen: From the lock screen you can jump to a specific part of a song or video with a long press on the play or pause buttons. Artwork is now fills the lockscreen. 

 20. Step counting: If you don't want to spend money on a fitness gadget then the Nexus 5 can act as a pedometer to count your steps. 

• Android 4.4 KitKat release date: 

For those of you wondering whether your Nexus 7, Nexus 4 or Google Play Edition of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One is going to get Android 4.4, be patient. Google says the aforementioned devices will all get KitKat within the coming weeks. However, the Nexus 5 will ship with the new platform already installed, as we've all expected. When the update does come, we expect it to be pushed to devices with a notification, or users will have the option of refreshing their software update settings furiously until it arrives.

[Continue reading...]

How To Make Laptop Wifi Hotspot

Wifi Hotspot is the area in which we can access internet using wifi. We can make our android or i-phone wifi hotspot but sometimes we need to make our laptop hotspot. So in this post I will share how to make your laptop wifi hotspot.

Just read and follow below given steps to make your laptop awifi hotspot. 


STEP 1- 
First of all , download Virtual Wifi Hotspot on your laptop.
Download - Click Here

STEP 2- 

Now install and run it , on your laptop. You will get below type of screen in front of you.

STEP 3- 
Now give any name to it. e.g Tricks Upto Date and also you can set password. [See above screenshot] 

STEP 4- 

 Now start Virtual Wifi Hotspot & search on your phone. Enter password and enjoy Internet.

[Continue reading...]

Facebook Launches New Social News Reader App Called Paper

Although not available yet, Facebook’s new Paper mobile app has already been getting so much hype as soon as Facebook officially announced it. The app which is scheduled to become available on February 3 exclusively for iPhone users in the U.S., is described by Facebook as a new app that will help you explore and share stories from friends and the world around you.
Paper iPhone app will curate Facebook stories posted and shared by your Facebook friends. What makes it different from the Facebook news feed is the fact that it will be presented in a more immersive design and fullscreen layout on your iPhone. The app will also make it easier to craft and share stories. Paper will be composed of stories and themed section that will let you follow your favorite interestes. Its first section will contain the Facebook News Feed including photos and videos. You will be able to customize your Paper view by sections covering various themes and topics.
Being an iPhone app, Paper will respond to touch gesture following simple, natural movements. Tilting your iPhone will let you explore panoramic photos from corner to corner. Videos can be autplayed in fullscreen. The app will also feature detailed covers and more.
More details about Paper for iPhone can be found at the  Facebook newsroom.

[Continue reading...]

Smart Bro Offers Samsung ‘Selfie’ Camera under Smart Bro Gadget Plus Plan

If you’re fond of taking selfies then this one’s for you. Smart Bro has announced the availability of the Samsung Smart Camera DV150F under its Gadget Plus Plan. For only Php 699 per month, subscribers can enjoy this dual-view camera with 50 surfing hours, covered by SMART’s Anti-Bill shock.
The Samsung Smart Camera DV150F can capture up to 16.2 MP photos and HD 720p videos. It has a 5x optical zoom, a 2.7 inch rear LCD and best of all, a front LCD – perfect for taking selfies.
A ‘Smart’ camera, the DV150F can be controlled remotely by a smartphone and can be easily set to connect to other mobile devices for sharing your photos. You can also instantly share your photos on Facebook, videos on YouTube or send photos as text message or email from the camera via the bundled Smart Bro Pocket WiFi.

“We welcome another first from Smart Bro with the introduction of the Samsung Smart Camera DV150F to our quickly expanding Gadget Plus Plan lineup,” said Michele Curran, Data and International Services Marketing Head at mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).
“With superfast and reliable mobile broadband connectivity from Smart Bro, taking a quick selfie, documenting travel adventures and instantly sharing them to friends online has now become easier than ever,” Curran added.
Subscribers can also avail of the Samsung Smart Camera DV150F bundled with Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite DV150F at Gadget Plus Plan 999 (with P500 One-Time Fee) or with a Samsung Galaxy Note at Gadget Plus Plan 1299 (with P3,000 cash-out upon application). Both bundles come with a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi and 50 surfing hours per month.

To know more about the Smart Gadget Plus Plans, check out smart.com.ph/bro or call 888-1111 via landline or dial *888 for existing Smart subscribers

[Continue reading...]

Nokia XL now available for Php8,990

The Nokia XL has just landed in the Philippines and is now available in all Nokia stores with a suggested retail price of Php8,990.

The Nokia XL was launched in Barcelona back in February along with the Nokia X which arrived earlier in the Philippines.

Nokia XL specs:

5.0-inch IPS LCD display @ 800×480 pixels, 187ppi

Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.0GHz dual-core

768MB RAM

4GB internal storage

up to 32GB via microSD

Single-SIM (micro-SIM) or Dual-SIM

3G/HSPA 7.2Mbps

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth 3.0 + HS

5MP rear camera with LED flash

141.4 x 77.7 x 10.9mm

190 grams

Li-Ion 2000mAh

Nokia X software platform 1.0 (Android Jellybean based platform)

The dual sim Nokia XL is now available at all Nokia stores and authorized resellers for Php8,990.

[Continue reading...]

Globe switches UnliSurf to GoSurf in MySuperPlan

Last month, we reported that Globe is consolidating its mobile internet plans under the new GoSurf label replacing both PowerSurf and SuperSurf. Globe has denied it will phase out SuperSurf but it looks like they’ve actually started doing so this month.

In 3 separate conversations with Globe Customer Service on the phone over the week-end, we received multiple confirmations that the new default mobile surfing plans will now be GoSurf and SuperSurf is no longer offered in the plans.

Some of the new Globe MySuperPlan packages are as follows:

MySuperPlan 1799:
GoSurf 5GB – 999
Consumable – 800
Unlimited Calls & Text to Globe/TM – Php599
iPhone 5S 16GB – free

MySuperPlan 1799:
GoSurf 10GB – 1499
Consumable – 300
Unlimited Calls & Text to Globe/TM – Php599
iPhone 5S 16GB – free

Both plans will net you Php2,398 for the MSF and there’s some cash-out depending on the contract period and the type of handset availed.

When asked about the old SuperSurf plans, the CSR has stated that it has been phased out in favor of the new GoSurf offers. Old SuperSurf subscribers will not be swicthed to the new GoSurf plans. However, once old subscribers renew their 24-month contract, the new GoSurf plans will be offered instead of SuperSurf.

The 1GB/day or 3GB per month FUP on the old SuperSurf still remains, which makes the GoSurf at 5GB more palatable.


The new GoSurf plan is probably Globe’s way to address the FUP issue and clarify the bandwidth allocations for mobile internet by its subscribers (thereby adhering to the “truth in advertising” complaints a lot of subscribers have been hurling against them).

[Continue reading...]

Sen. Recto calls for 10 Mbps minimum Internet speed

After filing Senate Bill No. 2232 or the “Free Metro Manila WiFi Act of 2014“, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto files another Senate Bill called “Bilis Konek Act of 2014” that will require ISPs to offer a minimum Internet speed of 10 Mbps.

The Senate Bill 2238 or “Bilis Konek Act of 2014″, would empower the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to require all ISPs and telcos in the country to provide its consumers a minimum of 10 Mbps speed for mobile broadband/Internet access. Those subscribed to fixed and fixed wireless broadband/Internet access should have at least 20 Mbps.

“The national march towards a broader Internet or Wi-Fi access should be in cadence with a decent Internet speed. Aanhin mo ang Wi-Fi kung puro ka naman antay?” Recto said.

In a report by Rappler, the NTC has also proposed to make Internet a “basic service” instead of “value added service”, enabling the agency to regulate speed and price.

“Internet is not a basic service [now], meaning the NTC cannot fully regulate it and I think it can be. It is already recognized as a human right,” said Senator Bam Aquino

Senator Loren Legarda, on the other hand, suggested that rates should be reviewed and adjusted. “Fair is fair. The rates should be adjusted lower. Mali ba ako?”

{NewsBytesPH} {Rappler}

[Continue reading...]

Cherry Mobile Ultra now official, LTE smartphone under 9k Php

The Cherry Mobile W900 LTE is no longer the lone LTE-capable device from CM’s stable as it’s now joined by the newly launched Cherry Mobile Ultra.

Cherry Mobile Ultra specs:
5-inch HD IPS display, 1280×720 @293ppi
1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 MSM8926 quad-core processor
Adreno 305 GPU
1GB RAM
Expandable 8GB internal memory
13MP BSI rear camera with LED flash
1080p video recording @30fps
2MP front-facing camera
LTE, HSPA
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0 LE
FM Radio
GPS w/ A-GPS, GLONASS
Single SIM (Micro)
Android 4.3 Jellybean
2,000mAh battery


The Cherry Mobile Ultra is slated to hit the shelves starting next week and will be retailed for Php8,999.

[Continue reading...]

SAMSUNG GALAXY S5

The Galaxy S5 is the 5th-generation of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S line and, like the Apple iPhone, has gone thru many years of refinement. Check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S5 after the break.

Announced in Mobile World Congress in Barcelona back in February, the Galaxy S5 tried to incorporate features and functions to make itself the singular, most-compelling handset in Samsung’s line-up.

In this review, we gave more attention and focus on those new features to see if the improvements were apt or it was another round of gimmicky inclusions.

Design & Construction.

The design signature of the Galaxy S5 has minimally changed compared to the Galaxy S4 from last year. The size, form and shape are almost the same. In fact, looking at it for the first time will confuse you that the S5 is indeed still the S4.

The handset looked plain and simple with its two-tone color (our review unit is black with silver trimming) and all-glass front panel surrounded by a metallic silver frame.

The unit is thin and feels light on the hands, has a good grip and just right to hold with one hand.

The volume control is on the upper left side while the power button is on the right. The 3.5mm audio port is on top along with the noise-cancelling mic and the IR blaster. At the bottom end is the USB 3.0 charging port which is sealed by a flap cover.

At the back is the 16MP rear camera with the LED flash just below it. The back cover is removable and has a rubbery feel to it with dimpled markings, probably to add grip especially when the device is subjected to water.

The polycarbonate material used in the body of the Galaxy S5 remains part of the genetic make-up of the Galaxy line. At least the device maintains its light weight and allows for removable back cover despite the water and dust resistance.

The corners are less rounded compared to the Galaxy S4, but device is still taller than the latter making it look closer to the Note 3. The bottom corner of the front panel has 2 soft buttons, Back & Recent Apps, while the middle physical button is for Home which also serves as the finger print scanner.

We’re really torn about the Galaxy S5 in the design department — on one hand, it’s a nicely done and upgraded version of the Galaxy S4 Active; on the other hand, it looks like a ruggedized yet uglier version of the Galaxy S4 with all the best hardware tucked inside.

Display.

The S5 features a 5.1-inch display using their very own Super AMOLED technology. With a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels, that brings the pixel density to 432ppi.

Super AMOLED is a Samsung standard for their flagship devices and the one they used in the Galaxy S5 looked stunning. Images are crisp and clear, the colors are bright and rich with a deep dark contrast. We still noticed that little bit of greenish hue for white backgrounds or images though.

One thing that we notice though is that the screen-to-bezel ratio of the Galaxy S5 is lower than the Galaxy S4. The bezels on the sides are thicker and the top and bottom bezels are also taller or wider. We don’t have a definitive reason why but it could be due to the IP67 rating that they had to implement the changes.

AMOLEDs have problems with outdoor visibility due to their level of brightness but it looks like Samsung has improved their display in the Galaxy S5 as it is now able to stand along other IPS LCD displays in terms of outdoor visibility and brightness levels.

OS, Apps and UI.

The Galaxy S5 came with Kitkat right out of the box, an advantage they had since partnering with Google in the Nexus program many years back.

The new TouchWiz UI looks spiffy, with a flat vector design. Samsung did a lot of refinements with the custom UI, themes and icons. Samsung continued its efforts from the Galaxy S4 to bring additional software features to the Galaxy S5 which includes an improved S Health, S Voice and S Planner.

There were a few more bloatwares that got introduced — Galaxy Gifts, Galaxy Essentials, Samsung Apps. The Smart Remote is the native app controller as remote control for IR-based devices like TVs, air conditioners, DVD players, etc (the app is powered by Peel).

Camera and Multimedia.

Samsung has been doing good with their cameras since the Galaxy S2 and they’ve continued to improve it since then. The Galaxy S5 is no exception with its powerful 16MP sensor that can capture 4K videos at 30fps.

The sensor can focus on the subjects really fast, captures the fine details and take really good low-light images. Photos and videos look rich and vibrant as well as the videos.

[Continue reading...]

Free Text Alerts (Be Careful)

You may have heard this message on a radio station in your city: “For breaking news text alerts, text the word ‘news’ to…” Or your bank may tell you how you can get free text alerts about your checking account. Is it a good idea to sign up for free text alerts from a business?

Yes and no. Yes, because texting on a cell phone is a great way to stay informed on a moment’s notice. And no, because you can end up on a “mailing” list and never be able to take yourself off that list.

A warning for consumers: text alerts are the latest technique in the “list generation” arsenal. Contests are one of the oldest methods of list generation. Whenever you receive or hear about an offer to participate in a sweepstakes, what that company really wants is your name and contact information. The offer of a prize is usually legitimate, but the reason a company holds a contest is to expand its contact list for direct mail offers, coupons and sales announcements.

That company may sell its lists to 50 other companies. That’s why you can never eliminate junk mail completely (either in your U.S. Postal Service mailbox or your e-mail box) unless you move or change your e-mail address and never, ever share your contact information again with anyone other than family and close friends who promise not to pass along your information without your permission.

Free text alert offers work in a similar fashion. Why would a radio station a newspaper, an Internet site or a bank offer to send you free text alerts? Because it wants you as part of a captive, interactive audience, and it may want to be able to sell your cell phone contact information as another source of revenue. A for-profit organization always has a profit motive. So if one day you feel like responding to that promise of free text alerts about traffic problems in your area, you could be stuck on a list forever, and you could receive dozens of unwanted text messages every week.

If you have two cell phone lines and you don’t use one very often but do have an unlimited texting feature on that phone as part of your package, you might want to try out accepting a free text alert offer to see how you like it. You can also gauge how many unwanted messages you receive without it impacting the cell phone you use more often. Then, if you like the text alert feature, you can add it to the phone you use most often.

Text alerts can be a convenience, but they also can be a headache. Be smart before accepting a text-alert offer from a business, even if you like the business a lot.

[Continue reading...]