AT&T launches its Thanks program with Ticket Twosdays

AT&T has decided to start thanking its customers by giving them free movie tickets starting this coming Tuesday. From now going forward, AT&T wants to offer you a weekly buy-one-get-one offer for movie tickets at participating AMC Theaters and Regal Entertainment Group theaters. This is just the beginning of AT&T’s Thanks program, as they will soon be offering pre-sale access to concert tickets to their customers as well. If these pure-gratitude perks sound familiar, it’s probably because the nation’s second-largest mobile carrier is following in the direct footsteps of T-Mobile, whose more bombastic approach in their #GetThanked campaign caused quite a bit of hubbub following their 11th “Uncarrier” event. See also: 11th ‘Uncarrier’ move by T-Mobile brings you free movies, food, prizes, and stock8 Unlike T-Mobile’s perks, which extend to all users (pre-paid and post-paid) AT&T is only extending their gratitude program to post-paid customers. Their Thanks rewards also seem notably more restrained than those from T-Mobile, which is promising its users dinner and a movie and a special bonus prize and automatic entry into a lottery for an “epic” Get Thanked prize every single week. However, T-Mobile’s program has immediately run into problems such as their app being faulty and Domino’s Pizza getting so flooded with orders that they’ve backed out of the arrangement entirely. Maybe AT&T’s more moderate approach will see traction without the drama of setbacks. There’s no dedicated app, you just simply retrieve a promo code directly from AT&T.To see if you’re eligible for Ticket Twosdays, click the button below to head on over to the program’s landing page. Also, let us know what you think of AT&T’s Thanks program in the comments.Check out the Promo Next: Best AT&T Android phones20

AT&T launches its Thanks program with Ticket Twosdays

Android Nougat Statue Video Also Confirms Android 7.0

This morning, Google officially unveiled the name of Android N as Android Nougat, but this afternoon, they put a number to it as well. The next version of Android is Android 7.0.

That new number shouldn’t really shock anyone, since Google basically told us last year to expect a new version each year. We knew that meant a new name, but was anyone sold on their being a full digit jump each year? I don’t know! Either way, Android Nougat is Android 7.0 whether we were ready for it or not. 

In the video below, which is the unveiling of the Nougat statue, you’ll see the image above that puts 7.0 with Nougat. The description for the video also lists it.

Related StoriesGoogle May be Redesigning Android’s Nav Bar With Ugly Home Button, Introduce Live Nexus Support Via AppAndroid N: A Quick Video Tour (Part 2)Video: Android N’s App Switcher is Pretty Awesome NowAndroid N: A Quick Video Tour (Part 1)
Android Nougat Statue Video Also Confirms Android 7.0 is a post from: Droid Life

Android Nougat Statue Video Also Confirms Android 7.0

Alleged specs surface for HTC Nexus “Marlin”

We’ve heard rumors for a while that the next Nexus offering from HTC would be a pair of smartphones, not just a single delivery.  Last week we caught our first glimpse at the smaller of these two devices, the HTC “Sailfish.” Although word was in the water regarding its bigger brother the HTC “Marlin,” we didn’t have any specs to report. That is, until today.This leak comes via Android Police, who have gathered these specs from an unspecified source. Normally we don’t expect to hear official word from Google until September, and that month is still far enough away that any leaks at this early date should be taken with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, here’s what the HTC Marlin will reportedly look like under the hood, but bear in mind that these specs may be inaccurate or subject to change. See also: Specs surface for alleged HTC Nexus “Sailfish”51 HTC Nexus Marlin SpecsHere’s what we think we know about the HTC Nexus “Marlin.” AP is unable to reveal their source and they also can’t report on the kind of evidence that they have without revealing the identity of the leaker. Nevertheless, they’re claiming approximately 90 percent confidence in the following specs:Manufactured by HTCQuad-core Qualcomm processor5.5″ QHD (2560×1440) AMOLED displayUSB-C port12MP rear camera, 8MP frontRear-mounted fingerprint scanner4GB RAM3450mAh batteryBottom-firing speakers32/128GB of storageBluetooth 4.2Interesting to note is that the Marlin appears to come in only two different variants in terms of storage: 32GB and 128GB. An interesting move, as normally we would expect to see a 64GB version thrown into the middle there. It could be the case that market research has shown that the lower and upper storage variants are chosen more frequently than middle-of-the-road storage, so the company has decided to ditch it.The only real differences between Sailfish and Marlin may be size, battery capacity, and resolution.It might be the case that the Sailfish will be offered with the same storage options. If this is true, then the only real differences between Sailfish and Marlin will be size, battery capacity, and resolution. Buyers might be swayed by preference in smartphone size or differences in price between the two devices, a detail that we cannot yet speculate on.We’ll keep you posted as more information comes out regarding the latest Nexus offerings from Google and HTC. In the meantime, let us know what you think of these leaked, alleged specs in the comments below! Previously: HTC reportedly has two new Nexus devices in the works101

Alleged specs surface for HTC Nexus “Marlin”

Google Search shakes things up with earthquake summaries

Earthquakes might not be a part of your daily life, but the US Geological Survey estimates that somewhere in the neighborhood of 500,000 earthquakes occur on planet Earth each year, and that nearly a fifth of these are strong enough to be appreciated by humans. Since this natural phenomenon (and occasional disaster) is such a common one, Google has integrated earthquake information into Search.Now when you search for “earthquake,” in addition to getting fun things like the definition of the word, you’ll also get an at-a-glance summary about any significant earthquakes currently going on in the world. “Earthquakes near me” will narrow this criteria in much the same way that “coffee near me” does. But with earthquakes instead of java. See also: Google Search will soon show Live TV listings2 These at-a-glance summaries include maps detailing affected areas and giving you important information about a quake’s intensity and how to best stay safe if it’s happening near you. Tips will also populate advising users about the dangers of aftershocks and giving them a handful of best practices to reduce the risk of personal injury.It’s not an addition that will necessarily affect a lot of people on a day-to-day basis, but in the event of an emergency, these integrated modules could offer crucial information to the people who need it the most. But what are your thoughts regarding Google Search’s earthquake summaries? Give us your opinions in the comments below.

Google Search shakes things up with earthquake summaries

Where to Buy the Unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge (US Model)

Samsung surprised us this morning with news that it was releasing the Galaxy S7 (SM-G930U) and Galaxy S7 Edge (SM-G935U) in unlocked form here in the US. While we’re a bit annoyed at the fact that it took them this long to do so, we still appreciate having the option. After all, not everyone buys the new shiny toy the minute it comes out and some have probably been waiting for the right moment to upgrade. Now would be that time.

These unlocked units work on all US carriers (including Verizon an AT&T), so if you champion unlocked phones like we do, these are great because they give you flexibility to jump around on carriers and never feel locked down. They also lack bloatware and may even receive timelier updates (might is the key there). 

As far as specs go, these phones are the same as the US models that were sold through carriers, meaning they run on Snapdragon 820 processors, 4GB RAM, 12MP Dual Pixel cameras, and have 32GB of storage. They also run TouchWiz and the latest version of Android (at the moment).

Below, you’ll find links to all of the places you can buy them.
LINKS
Best Buy:  Galaxy S7
Samsung:  Galaxy S7 | Galaxy S7 Edge

Amazon

Target

Sam’s Club

(We’ll continue to update this post with additional links as they go live.)

Related StoriesVideo: Samsung Mobile President Shares His Vision for Galaxy S7 and 2016Live Chat: Samsung “Unpacked” Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge MWC 2016Here is the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in Silver. It’s Hot.5 Reasons the Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge is Worth Buying
Where to Buy the Unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge (US Model) is a post from: Droid Life

Where to Buy the Unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge (US Model)

Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small coming to mobile soon

DIGIDICED is proud to reveal that Uwe Rosenberg’s award-winning two-player board game Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small will soon come to Android, iOS, and Windows devices. In Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small, the player is the owner of an old farmstead with a bit of land. However, a neighboring farmer happens to have a competitive streak — so all bets are off! Both players (human and CPU) must use their wits to acquire and manage both resources and livestock over eight rounds — while attempting to strategically deploy buildings — in a mad dash for farm and fortune. Multiplayer At its core, Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small is a competitive 1v1 ranch-themed board game. Like previous DIGIDICED releases Le Havre: The Inland Port and Patchwork, it supports cross-platform multiplayer worldwide — allowing Android and iOS players to challenge each other based on their skill (and not which device they happen to own at any particular time). How to Play In Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small, each…

This is an original post from Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small coming to mobile soon at App Review Central by Larry Sullivan

Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small coming to mobile soon

ASUS ZenUI Launcher now compatible with any phone running Android 4.3 or higher

In the early days of Android, OEM-created UX skins were perhaps a “necessary evil” in the eyes of some critics. Google’s own OS had far less usability solutions than it does today, meaning that TouchWiz and its irk provided some clear and sincere “value added services”. Defenders often point out, for example, that Samsung had a brightness slider and quick setting toggles on the notification shade ages before Mountain View ever got inspired.While some argue that stock AOSP is still lacking in some regards making Nexus devices “boring” and passable, the anti-alteration iteration proclamation has seemingly picked up steam, as both Samsung and HTC have trimmed layers of lard from their OS skins in the past year or so. And yet, launchers are as popular as ever. HTC may be working on mass marketing its own, but ASUS has beat it to the punch.The ASUS ZenUI launcher is available to any and all Android phones running version 4.3 or higher, and allows users of any OEM hardware to get the look and feel of a ZenFone product. As per ASUS’ app page, the features and functions are as follows:Google Play’s top-ranked ZenUI Launcher now supports all Android mobile devices running version 4.3 and above!Customize your launcher the way you want it to be: apply your favorite (and free!) themes, wallpapers and widgets, change app icons, apply scroll effects or transitions, or organize your apps in folders. Secure your apps from prying eyes with integrated app locking features.Your Android launcher, now more personalized! • Showcase your personality on your Android devices using a variety of free themes, free wallpapers, icons, effects and transitions! You can even set different wallpapers in home screen and lock screen to make it more fun and interesting. • Customize the font style, font size, or icon size of your app and widgets on the home screen, lock screen, and all apps screen.Efficiently and intuitively manage your home screen! • Swipe up home screen to access the setting shortcuts to key features such as apps, widgets, wallpapers, icons, and system themes to customize your launcher easily. • Download complimentary themes and icon packs with Launcher theme shortcut. • Organize your apps and folders in One layer mode (access all apps on home screen) or Two layer mode (access apps using a shortcut). • Auto-group related apps using Smart Group feature to keep your screen organized. • Get a sneak live preview on your screen when customizing your wallpapers, themes, fonts, and more!Search smart and fast! • Swipe down to smart-search your apps, contacts, or trending topics instantly in your Android device with Quick Find feature. • Explore great Android apps recommended just for you with intuitive Contextual App Discovery feature.Safety and security that you can depend on! • Get the best security for your apps with the integrated AppLock and Hide App features that protect your private apps from prying eyes or unauthorized access.While some find ASUS phones to be overly bogged down in clutter and UX mess, others find them to be rather…Zen like. Given the fact that the launcher is entirely free to try and use, there is seemingly no harm in downloading it to see what there is to say. Perhaps it will have some elements that even the most skeptical user really appreciated. For what it’s worth, the feedback on the Play Store is overwhelming positive, with 5/5 being the current winner.For those interested in trying out the launcher, please click on the link below:ASUS ZenUI Launcher (Google Play Store)Have you tried the ZenUI skin? What do you think? Leave your comments down below and let everyone know!

ASUS ZenUI Launcher now compatible with any phone running Android 4.3 or higher

Chrome gets Facebook Share and Save plugins

When you stop and think about it, the way that most people share links on Facebook is a bit antiquated. Copying the URL from the desired site, then navigating to Facebook and pasting it in the status field? What are we, Amish? Fortunately, Facebook is offering a more modern solution. The social giant has announced that they have created Chrome plugins that let you share current content in just a few clicks, or save what you’re looking at for future perusal. Installing these plugins will add convenient buttons in the upper-right corner of your Chrome browser, so broadcasting interesting content has never been easier. See also: Facebook criticized for heavy-handed Messenger SMS push44 These Chrome plugins come part and parcel with some small alterations to Facebook’s social plugin buttons for use on websites far and wide. The company has streamlined their old engagement buttons for a cleaner design that ditches the Facebook “f” in favor of the ubiquitous thumbs-up “like” icon. Check out the official announcement if you’re interested in learning more.Click the buttons below to grab these plugins for Chrome, then head over to the comments and let us know how well they’re working for you!Get Share to Facebook on ChromeGet Save to Facebook on Chrome

Chrome gets Facebook Share and Save plugins

Evernote is About to Limit Basic Accounts to Just Two Devices, Raise Prices

Big user of Evernote? Hopefully, for your sake, you either pay for their premium tiers or you don’t use it on more than two devices. Why do I say that? Because this week, Evernote announced that its free tier, otherwise known as Evernote Basic, will start limiting users to access on just two devices. They are also adjusting Plus and Premium price tiers for new subscribers.

Evernote penned a pretty straight forward blog post to touch on each of these topics, saying that exactly what you expected them to say – they’d rather not do this, but keeping this best-in-class note app updated and innovative going forward costs money. 

Over the “coming weeks,” Evernote is going to limit all of their free (Basic) accounts to access of notes on just two devices. If that’s your situation, just know that they are giving you “at least 30 days to adjust.” So once they flip the switch, it sounds like you’ll still have a good month to figure out which devices you want that to see access. To deauthorize any unwanted devices, head to your Evernote account at this link and get to work.

In terms of new pricing, the Basic plan will stay free, Plus will jump to $34.99 per year ($3.99 per month), and Premium will jump to $69.99 per year ($7.99 per month). Previous pricing for Plus and Premium was $2.99 and $5.99 per month, respectively.

Are you already a subscriber to Plus or Premium? According to Evernote FAQ, it sounds as if “not everyone will be affected by a price change.” Evernote also says that if you are up for a price change (hike), you will be notified within the next few weeks. Fun.

For more, check out this page and this page.

Via:  Evernote

Related StoriesDeal: 5-Star Productivity Pack Adds Dropbox Pro to Already Awesome Lineup, Still Just $60Evernote Gets Its Material Design UpdateSnake Rewind Hits Google Play, From the Original Creator of Nokia’s SnakeLevel Money Update Introduces “Flexible Money Management”
Evernote is About to Limit Basic Accounts to Just Two Devices, Raise Prices is a post from: Droid Life

Evernote is About to Limit Basic Accounts to Just Two Devices, Raise Prices

Verizon strongly rumored to bring carryover data, free roaming, throttled unlimited data

T-Mobile has been pretty aggressive about bringing its users services they love like Binge On and rollover data, and they’ve also been pretty aggressive about pointing out how their competitors fail to do so. Not so long ago, Verizon execs bristled at the Uncarrier’s guerrilla tactics by taking a stance that, as industry leaders, they would stay the course with traditional plans rather than shift to these much beloved plans. See also: Verizon: no data roll-over, we don’t care if customers leave as a result119 Well, now it sounds like the United States’ largest carrier is changing their tune a bit. If this rumor is true, then Verizon will soon be joining the likes of T-Mobile and AT&T by adding carryover data to their plans. The same source reveals that “big red” could also be introducing throttled data on XL and XXL plans, as well as free roaming to Mexico and Canada on these same plans. Smaller plans can gain these services for additional fees.This word comes to us via reddit, where users Verizonguy12345 and czfi identified an image posted on Verizon’s “testman” page, a site the company has a history of using to give promos and announcements a trial run before they are set live. This announcement is rumored to hit the media on Friday, but without official word, we still have to take this rumor with a grain of salt. If it turns out to be true, this could be a major boon for millions of subscribers.What are your thoughts regarding these new features supposedly coming to Verizon? Give us your opinion in the comments below! Next: Best Verizon Android phones (June 2016)41

Verizon strongly rumored to bring carryover data, free roaming, throttled unlimited data

SanDisk Announces Two 256GB MicroSD Cards, Arriving as Early as August

This morning, SanDisk joined Samsung as removable storage makers who plan to offer microSD cards in 256GB options. According to SanDisk, we should expect two new 256GB cards throughout the year, one of the Extreme variety that should be good for action cameras and 4K-ready phones, plus another of the Ultra variety that will be great for casual smartphone use. 

The 256GB Extreme card sports read speeds of 100MB/s and write speeds of 90MB/s. You should be able to fit around 14 hours of 4K UHD video on this card, which SanDisk says will be great for drones, action cameras, and 4K-capable smartphones. It should be the “fastest microSD card in its class.”

The 256GB Ultra card is very similar, but it tops out at 95MB/s in read speeds and must have substantially lower write speeds, since SanDisk hasn’t disclosed those yet.

The Extreme card will retail initially for $200 and is expected to hit retailers in Q4 of this year. The Ultra card will start at $150 and be available worldwide in August.

Via:  SanDisk

Related StoriesSamsung Introduces 256GB MicroSD Card, Available in June for $250DEAL: SanDisk’s 200GB Wireless Stick is Just $99 Today, 64GB SD Card is $18DEAL: 200GB SanDisk MicroSD Card Drops to $59.99 Today, 128GB Card With Bonus 128GB USB Drive TooQuick Deal: Triple Your Phone’s Storage for $18 With This 64GB SD Card
SanDisk Announces Two 256GB MicroSD Cards, Arriving as Early as August is a post from: Droid Life

SanDisk Announces Two 256GB MicroSD Cards, Arriving as Early as August

Verizon May Introduce Carryover Data, Free Roaming, and Throttled Unlimited Data This Week

A little over a year and a half ago, Verizon CFO Fran “ShamWow” Shammo told the world that his company was a “leader” not a “follower” and that they wouldn’t be jumping on the rollover data bandwagon. If the image below, along with a confirmation from a source of ours is to be believed, Shammo may have some explaining to do. By this Friday, Verizon could introduce not only “carryover” data, but a safety mode and free roaming to Canada and Mexico, as well. All of these new features should launch within The Verizon Plan. 

In the image below, which is said to be a screen capture from Verizon’s Testman site, a site they often use to test out incoming product launches, we could see the following on Friday:
Carryover Data:  It’s exactly like rollover data from AT&T, in that if you have unused data from this month, you’ll be able to use that unused data next month and next month only. This should be included in S, M, L, XL, and XXL plans at no extra charge.
Safety Mode (throttled unlimited data):  This sounds like a feature that can be added on that allows you to continue to use Verizon data after you have gone over your monthly allotment at no extra charge. The data speeds will be “reduced” heavily, I’d imagine, until you either buy more high-speed data or hit your next billing cycle. This option is only free to XL and XXL plans. If you are on any other plan (S, M, and L), you’ll have to add on Safety Mode for $5 per month.
Free Data/Text Roaming to Mexico and Canada: Well, free for some. Like Safety Mode, Verizon will allow XL and XXL plans to use text and data allowances when in Mexico and Canada. Unlimited from the US to Mexico and Canada is also included. If you are on a S, M, or L plan, you’ll have to pay extra for this feature.

Again, here is the image, which first surfaced over at reddit.


As I mentioned above, at least one source of ours was able to confirm the changes to The Verizon Plan and said to expect them on Friday. We’ve also reached out to Verizon for a more official confirmation and will update this post if we hear back.

Via:  reddit

Related StoriesAT&T GoPhone Plans Get Rollover Data TooBREAKING: Verizon Cancels Plans for Network Optimization of Unlimited Data UsersCricket Adds Data Roaming to Canada and Mexico at No Extra CostT-Mobile Uncarrier Amped 2: Talk, Text, and 4G LTE in Canada and Mexico at No Extra Cost
Verizon May Introduce Carryover Data, Free Roaming, and Throttled Unlimited Data This Week is a post from: Droid Life

Verizon May Introduce Carryover Data, Free Roaming, and Throttled Unlimited Data This Week

Google is building an internet speed test tool into search results

If you’ve ever tested your internet speeds, you’ve probably used Ookla’s Speed Test or maybe even Netflix’s new Fast.com. There’s also a good chance that you’ve simply Google searched “speed test” to get you to one of those websites. In hopes to court users away from Ookla and Netflix, it looks like Google is building its own internet speed test tool right into search results.First uncovered by Dr. Pete Meyers on Twitter, the speed test function can simply be activated by searching “check internet speed.” As you can see in the screenshot below, the test takes less than 30 seconds and is powered by Measurement Lab (M-Lab).Looks like Google is testing their own internet speed test (query = “check internet speed”) – not seeing it live — pic.twitter.com/wjsPIlEbFv— Dr. Pete Meyers (@dr_pete) June 27, 2016The test takes less than 30 seconds and is powered by Measurement LabThanks to this tweet, a Google Support page has also been uncovered, detailing Google’s partnership with M-Lab and how exactly the test works.As of this moment we’re still not sure what the test looks like or how accurate it is. You can try the query for yourself, but it doesn’t appear to be live for most users. In the mean time, you can, however, try out M-Lab’s NDT test for yourself if you’re interested. M-Lab’s testing tool hasn’t been very accurate for me, though, at least not as accurate as Ookla or Netflix’s offerings.We’re not sure when – or if – Google actually plans to roll this tool out for everyone, so stay tuned for the details as we learn more.

Google is building an internet speed test tool into search results

NVIDIA SHIELD’s 3.2 Update With Plex Media Server Support, Netflix in HDR, YouTube 4K 60FPS, and More is Out!

Earlier this month, NVIDIA and Plex announced that through an incoming update to version 3.2, the SHIELD Android TV box would have the opportunity to become a Plex Media Server, all but eliminating the need for you to run a PC as your media box. That update, which also includes a number of other noteworthy features, is now available. 

According to the release notes, this update builds-in Plex Media Server, so you will be able to use your SHIELD to stream to all of your devices (even outside the home) or “accelerate your media” through SHIELD’s HD transcode. I have no yet updated my SHIELD to 3.2, so I’m still not sure if you need the Plex Media Server app installed. If you do, you can grab it here.

As for the rest of the update, it includes Netflix in HDR, VUDU in 4K, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and YouTube 4K in 60fps. NVIDIA also tossed in accessibility of SHIELD folders from network PCs with drag-and-drop sharing (Settings>Storage & reset>Access SHIELD folders on PC), mounting of a network attached storage device (NAS), an option to turn off your TV when SHIELD goes to sleep, pictured improvements to RGB TVs, the latest Android security patch, and more.

Yep, it’s a massive update.

Via:  NVIDIA

Related StoriesUltimate Chicken Horse Available for NVIDIA SHIELD, Priced at $10HBO Go, Twitch, FX Now and More Apps Coming Soon to Android TVSHIELD Android TV Receives 3.1 Update, Includes Game Optimizations and Mouse NavigationNVIDIA SHIELD TV Basically Becomes a Bad Ass Plex Box in Latest Update
NVIDIA SHIELD’s 3.2 Update With Plex Media Server Support, Netflix in HDR, YouTube 4K 60FPS, and More is Out! is a post from: Droid Life

NVIDIA SHIELD’s 3.2 Update With Plex Media Server Support, Netflix in HDR, YouTube 4K 60FPS, and More is Out!

Galaxy S6/Edge getting June security patch on T-Mobile

The words “Samsung” and “firmware updates” don’t exactly go hand in hand, but this year in particular, the Korean manufacturer has seemingly been making more of a concerted effort to prioritize Android updates.Just yesterday it was reported that the Galaxy Note Edge was receiving the June security update patch for South Korean users, and now today brings news of T-Mobile in the USA rolling out the same security patch for owners of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.The file comes in at roughly 250MB so it’s likely the FOTA will need to be a Wi-Fi affair. If the update hasn’t appeared yet, it’s possible to manually attempt to force it: Navigate over to the Settings menu, hit About Device, then find the tab for System Updates.Note that as carriers typically deploy FOTA transfers in waves, there is no guarantee this will produce results initially. An alternative would be to connect the device to a computer and check through Samsung’s software suite.If neither option works, just sit tight and the update should prompt for download in a few days or weeks.Note that while the update suggests bug fixes as per usual, currently the only change detected is said June security level update.Are you a T-Mobile customer? Have you received the file yet? Any trouble, or was it smooth sailing? Leave a comment below!

Galaxy S6/Edge getting June security patch on T-Mobile

What’s on my Android – My setup and must have apps

One of the best parts about using an Android device is the ability to set it up exactly the way you want it. Whether you like to arrange your apps in different folders, use a lot of widgets to be able to quickly glance at important information, take advantage of the various features available with a variety of launchers, or even take a completely minimalistic approach, Android allows for it all. Be it for business, gaming, or media consumption, everyone uses their smartphones and tablets differently, and have their devices set up accordingly.Today, we’ll be taking a quick look at how I use my phone on a daily basis, the apps that I use regularly, as well as those are must haves for me. Here’s what’s on my Android!As a device reviewer, I have to switch between different phones often, which is why I prefer maintaining a simple setup that can be easily replicated on another smartphone in a matter of minutes. When a review isn’t in progress however, my go to smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, which I use as a daily driver. Regardless of which phone I’m using, I do like to keep the same setup across the board.The launcher of choice is the Google Now launcher, with its minimalistic setup and feel perfectly suiting my requirements, and the quick and easy access to Google Now as the leftmost home screen is something I really appreciate. Apart from the Google Now screen, there is just the main home screen, where I use folders to keep things organized and uncluttered. Up top is a simple clock, which is a default clock option that is available with the Galaxy S7 Edge. I’m not particularly picky about the type of clock widget I use, and whichever is readily available gets the job done.In the dock, flanking the app drawer icon, are the Dialer and Hangouts apps to the left, and the Google Play Store and Chrome apps to the right. Above the dock are four folders that I use to keep the apps that are used frequently organized. The folders include one which houses all the Google apps, and three others for productivity, social media, and gaming. These folders help avoid needing to use multiple home screens, unless there are any useful widgets that I need to have in place.The Google folder contains the standard list of apps which typically come pre-installed with any Android smartphone, including Maps, GMail, Calendar, Photos, and Google Play Music. One app that doesn’t come pre-installed, but is a great one to have, is Google Opinion Rewards. This app lets you earn Google Play credit by simply participating in short surveys, with the amount of money ranging anywhere from 10 cents to a dollar. That isn’t a lot, but definitely adds up over time, and will allow you to get paid apps for free. The best part about this app is that it is easy to use and costs nothing, apart from a little bit of your time.Th social media folder doesn’t contain any surprises, and what you will found here are the usual suspects, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, GroupMe, and the photo stitching app for Instagram, called Layout.The productivity folder includes some work related apps, but there are also a few that are pertinent to my daily or weekly routine. Here, you’ll find Slack, which is a great communication app for speaking to your colleagues, Uber, Calculator, PayPal, First Federal, which is my bank app, the Nelnet student loan app, LIFX, Philips Hue, OnSwitch, and finally, the United Airlines app.The most notable apps in this folder are those that help me control the lighting in my office, as well as the living room, which have likely seen in the background in my other videos. LIFX and Philips Hue are definitely must haves, but personally, I feel like the most useful app of the lot is OnSwitch, which allows me to control both the LIFX and Philips Hue bulbs with one app. There is also a lot of customization options, and also gives me the ability to toggle on specific lights in the home. If you own both LIFX and Philips Hue bulbs, OnSwitch is an app that is definitely recommended.Finally, we have the games folder, that includes just two games right now – Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. Clash of Clans is a top down tower defense game that I have been playing for several years, and if you have played this game, you will know how addictive it can be. It may sound strange to have played a mobile game for this long, but given how frequently the app gets updated, it’s hard not continue playing.On the other hand, Clash Royale is a spin off of Clash Of Clans, and while you will find some familiar elements making their way over from the latter, it is a completely different game that involves a deck of cards and defending your towers, while taking down those of your enemies. This is also extremely addictive as well, but can be equally frustrating, and I have a love/hate relationship with this game. Somehow, I still can’t stop playing it, so you’ve been given fair warning, if you do decide to download it.One app that I have which is worth a special mention is How to tie a tie. This app does exactly what its name suggests, and provides easy to follow step by step instructions to tie different types of knots, if you are a tie wearer. I need to wear one for special occasions, but not frequently enough for it be necessary to remember all the steps, and this app is a huge help. It’s not the obvious choice, but this is certainly another app that I would consider a must have.So, there you have it for this quick look at what’s on my Android! This is the setup and the apps that I typically like to have, regardless of which smartphone I’m using. The main reason I like this setup is because of simple it is, and how easy it is to replicate when switching to another device. Do let us know what is on your Android, and what apps you consider must haves, in the comment sections below!

What’s on my Android – My setup and must have apps

Galaxy Note 7 reportedly launching August 2 with 3,600 mAh battery

It’s that time of year folks, and the latest Galaxy Note 7 rumor has the device launching on August 2 with a 3,600 mAh battery. Russian leaker Eldar Murtazin, who has had a pretty solid Samsung leak record in the past, is the one behind this latest information. There is no proof of course, but the details do line up with other Note 7 rumors doing the rounds. See also: This is how the Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner will work46 Murtazin claims the 3,600 mAh Galaxy Note 7 battery will get you 20.5 hours of video playback at max brightness, indicating he has either seen documentation himself or spoken to someone internally. The Galaxy Note 7 launch date of August 2 has already been leaked multiple times and seemingly confirmed since a promotional poster was leaked a couple of weeks ago.The battery size will undoubtedly disappoint more than a few punters if it turns out to be true.There is no real reason to doubt the launch date but the battery size will undoubtedly disappoint more than a few punters if it turns out to be true. Considering the typical 5.7-inch screen size of the Note series, 3,600 mAh isn’t a particularly huge battery to power that large a QHD screen.After all, the Galaxy S7 Edge has the same sized battery and it is only a 5.5-inch device. Some rumors have even claimed the Note 7 display will increase to 5.8-inches this year. Still, the 5.7-inch QHD Galaxy Note 5 only had a 3,000 mAh battery, so even while 3,600 mAh would be a 20% increase you know it will still get called out for not being bigger than the S7 Edge’s battery.Considering the backlash Samsung suffered for shrinking the battery capacity in the Galaxy S6 and the positive response they received for increasing it in the S7 Edge, you would think they would know the truth by now: we want thicker phones with bigger batteries.While 3,600 mAh would still be a bump in capacity from its predecessor, you know it will get called out for not being bigger than the S7 Edge.Of course, the Note 7 will arrive with a much more efficient chipset and enhanced battery optimization software. It will also have been designed for Android Marshmallow’s energy-saving features (rather than been updated to them) and should still have the same resolution as the Note 5. No matter which way you cut it though, Samsung will cop flak on paper, but the proof is, as always, in the pudding.As it now stands, the unofficial Galaxy Note 7 specs sheet reads as follows: 5.7-5.8-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 821 or Exynos 8893 SoC, 6 GB of RAM, 64/128/256 GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, 12 MP camera with dual-pixel PDAF, 5 MP front-facing camera, 3,600 mAh battery, iris scanner and the new Grace UX on top of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.What do you think of this specs sheet? Are you interested in the Note 7?

Galaxy Note 7 reportedly launching August 2 with 3,600 mAh battery