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Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition gets a $200 price drop

It seems the Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition has gotten a pretty significant price drop today. The handset first arrived back in December and while generally liked in day-to-day use, many complained about the price. It initially arrived with a $650 price point. As of today however, you can pick it up for $200 less.



This means the handset is down to $449. And to further entice buyers, Google is including free ground shipping. But while the price has dropped -- you'll still be purchasing an oversized smartphone. As a reminder, the Sony Z Ultra GPe is sporting a 6.4-inch display. Thankfully that is Full HD at 1920 x 1080 with a 342 ppi.


Other spec related highlights for the handset include a 2.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8974 processor with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 3000 mAh battery, 2MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera with an Exmor RS sensor. As with other Google Play edition handsets -- the Sony Z Ultra is running a clean version of Android.


The handset originally launched with Android 4.4, however we quickly saw that updated to 4.4.2, which is where it remains today. Bottom line here, if you had your eye on the GPe Sony Z Ultra but held off due to price -- now may be a good time to reconsider. But then again, we've also seen several other GPe handsets including the HTC One (M8) arrive in the Play Store since, and some of those may be more attractive at this point in time.


Those looking for a bit more on the Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition may want to check out our hands-on post from shortly after the release.


SOURCE: Google Play Store





Google Glass update improving phone answering and more

Google Glass users have another update coming this week, and it seems this is one they will want to grab right away. This time around the update is dealing with images and video as well as answering incoming phone calls. In this case of phone calls -- it seems Glass is about to get a bit smarter.



Google mentioned how audio for calls answered or made with your phone will stay on your phone. And alternatively, audio for calls answered or made with Glass will stay with Glass. Perhaps key with this is that phone calls will no longer route to Glass if it's inactive. Basically, if you have Glass off and sitting on your desk, you will not have to put it on to answer the incoming call.


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Shifting over to the image and video aspect of this update and we are looking at backing up and removing them from the timeline. Glass users will soon have the option to backup images using any connection, whereas it had only been done when plugged in and over WiFi in the past. You'll be able to head to the Auto Backup card in settings and tap to begin an update when you want.


The clearing of images and videos from the timeline is said to be one to the top community requests. Once this update has rolled out to your Glass you'll be able to clear them all at the same time. This should help to free up some space, but also make things quicker and a bit simpler. You will need to tap the Auto Backup card and then swipe forward to "Clear." This will then remove all images and videos provided they have already been synced.


SOURCE: +GoogleGlass





LastPass update brings Galaxy S5 fingerprint authentication

Galaxy S5 users were always able to unlock their handset using the fingerprint scanner. PayPal also added support shortly after the handset launched. Well, it looks like another company has come forward with support. This latest is LastPass and the support comes by way of the recently updated Password Manager app.



This support is actually quite useful. It means users will be able to swipe their finger when prompted for a password. LastPass has always been fairly user friendly in terms of getting your password where you need, but this seems to open up a new level of convenience.


LastPass as a service is one we would suggest checking out. At the very least, even if you choose not to use LastPass, a password manager of some sort is a good idea these days. LastPass gives users the ability to fill in passwords for apps and within Chrome. Nicely, there is also an extension for Chrome on the desktop so your passwords will always be available.


And to clarify -- all of your individual passwords are then secured with one master password. Or in the case of your Galaxy S5, they are secured with your fingerprint. That having been said, the LastPass mobile app does require a premium level subscription which is $12 per year.


The LastPass app can be found in the Google Play Store.





Dimple.IO uses NFC to add four buttons to your smartphone

Dimple is a new concept being shown that can add four buttons to an Android device equipped with NFC. We'll call this a concept for now as the company has yet to begin shipping. For now the company has plans to launch a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo and are hoping to begin shipping in the beginning of August.



Having said that, the idea is both simple and interesting. Dimple is an NFC tag that attaches to your smartphone. These tags have four buttons and each of them can be programmed to do a specific task. A few use case examples including launching an app, calling someone, or even activating the flashlight.


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Of course, you could also get a bit more creative and use Dimple to control your music, as a camera shutter button, or to quickly change some settings. Dimple will also have Tasker integration for those wanting to get extra nerdy. Otherwise, as these are simple NFC tags -- there isn't any battery life to worry about. They are also on the thin side measuring in at just 0.5mm thick.


As with other NFC tags, you will want to watch the case you have as some will restrict the use, but the folks at Dimple estimate there to be around 800 compatible devices. Anyway, the Indiegogo campaign is expected to launch on May 6th and Dimple will be available with pledge levels beginning at $26.99 for initial backers.




VIA: ubergizmo


SOURCE: Dimple


BLU Studio 5.0 arrives with support for T-Mobile LTE

The BLU Studio 5.0 isn't an entirely new device from BLU Products, however they did just announce a new variant. And nicely, this one addresses a frequent complaint; the lack of LTE support. The BLU Studio 5.0 LTE has been unveiled with support for the T-Mobile network.



Specifically, the handset supports 4G LTE on the 1700 and 2600 Mhz bands. There is also 3G support on the 850/1700/1900/2100 bands. Aside from network support, those looking towards the Studio 5.0 LTE can expect to find a 5-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, 4GB of internal storage, 2000 mAh battery and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.


The camera setup includes a 1.6 megapixel on the front and an 8 megapixel on the back. The rear-facing camera specs include the following; auto-focus, 1.4 micron pixel size, 1/3.2-inch sensor, 4.4mm aperture and LED flash. It is also capable of capturing 1080p video at 30fps. Otherwise, power comes by way of a quad-core 1.4GHz Snapdragon 400 processor with 1GB of RAM.


While the specs may not be super high end, they do appear to match the price. BLU Products has the Studio 5.0 LTE sitting at $249. And to clarify -- that is an unlocked and contract free price. The handset will be available from the end of May, and by way of several US retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.


VIA: Mobile Burn


SOURCE: BLU Products





Android “Silver” program rumored to replace the Nexus lineup

The Android Silver name first came up earlier in the month. At the time the Silver program was thought to be a way for Google to better work with the carriers, and also to establish a bit more control over Android. There was talk of displaying these handsets in special sections of carrier stores, and having them be sold by specially trained employees.



Well, flash forward to the present day and there is now a confirming report about Android Silver coming from The Information. Details here suggest Google will be dropping the Nexus line in favor of Android Silver. While some are fans of the Nexus and Google Play edition (GPe) lines for the clean Android experience -- it seems some of this will be carried over from Nexus to Silver.


The report mentioned how the Silver program will put limits on things such as the amount of non-Google apps that can be pre-installed. It even looks like Google will make it so users can choose to uninstall those pre-installed apps. The key seems to be in working with the carriers and manufacturers though, and The Information said they will "effectively be paid to produce and sell high-end devices that closely adhere to Google specifications."


Bottom line here, it looks like Android Silver will be the way Google tries to take back some of the control. There is still quite a bit we need to see, but so far it does sound like it could help Android. Having said that, and liking the idea thus far, we do have to wonder if this will kill the Nexus line, or simply push it further over to being a reference line for developers.


VIA: TechCrunch


SOURCE: The Information





Acer Liquid Jade and Liquid Leap wearable now official

Acer has shown their latest smartphone this morning. The handset is the Liquid Jade and it was announced alongside the Liquid Leap. The latter is the wearable we first saw teased back towards the end of March.



Acer offered the basics for each of these devices along with some teasing. But in the end, there are still plenty of missing details. We've yet to see anything in terms of the pricing, and market availability hasn't been fully detailed either. For now Acer has said the Liquid Jade smartphone rollout will begin in July and the Liquid Leap wearable will arrive around the same time.


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA


Further details on the wearable include how it will launch as a "companion" device and in select markets. So far we have yet to hear anything suggesting either of these would be arriving in the US.


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA


The smartphone is said to have Gorilla Glass for protection and "no sharp surfaces." Specs were kept to a minimum, however our friends at SlashGear are estimating the handset to be sporting a 5-inch display. One thing Acer did mention was how the handset would be available in a variety of colors.


Otherwise, the Leap wearable will show fitness details including steps as well as notifications sent from the smartphone. Those include alerts for calls and messages, and similar to how some of the other wearables work -- this should help determine whether you actually need to remove the phone from your pocket.





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