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Moto X tempts you to get it with Moto Maker in new ad

While Motorola's Moto X seems like a more than decent smartphone, sales haven't been something to write home about. And since this whole holiday weekend is one big opportunity for OEMs to sell even more units, they have come up with a pretty nifty ad that would like to entice those window shopping for a new smartphone to consider the flagship device for their new purchase.



The ad features Ben, a somehow very indecisive young man, who keeps making changes on his Moto X through the Moto Maker, much to the chagrin of his doppleganger, who is working on a (hopefully) fictional version of the Motorola factory. He is in charge of making all the changes to the Moto X, and since Ben seems to be quite a weird person, then the alterations become more and more absurd. We end up with an inscription to "The Panda King" and as ridiculous as it is, yes, the Moto Maker will still do it for you.


The ad isn't as funny as it thinks it is, but it does get its point across, that you can make your Moto X on the Moto Maker as personal as possible. The first generation of the Moto X actually only allowed this personalization if you bought your smartphone through AT&T. But the 2014 edition seems to be making up for it, and the marketing campaign for it is much better, as evidenced by this ad.




This coming Cyber Monday from 11AM to 5PM CST, those who are interested in getting the new Moto X should register to receive a discount coupon. They'll be able to get the 16GB model for $359, a $140 discount from its original price of $499. However, offer is good only until supplies last.


Call of Duty: Heroes game hits Google Play

Fans of the Call of Duty franchise who would like to take the game on the go with them have a new video game that can be downloaded now for Android devices. The app is called Call of Duty: Heroes and it allows you to command an army of elite soldiers and drones right out of the Call of Duty franchise.



In the game, players get to customize their base and train their forces to dominate the enemy. Controllable heroes and kill streaks are part of the game as well as a first person chopper gunner view. Players start with a small outpost and can then build it into a larger and heavily fortified base.


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Players can attack enemies and control heroes for the game like Price, Soap, and Harper. Each of the controllable heroes in the game has their own progression system and unique killstreaks. Players can train and deploy units from the game franchise including Juggernauts, Dragonfires, and CLAWs.


Bases can be upgraded with sentry guns, guardians, SAM turrets, howitzers, mines, and 30 upgradable structures. This game does require an internet connection to play. The game is a free download supported by in app purchases up to $99.99 per item.


SOURCE: Google Play


Samsung working on a new smartwatch with rotating bezel?

Samsung is cooking up something. Of course, that is always the case but any news or clues of an upcoming smartwatch can be exciting. A patent has recently surfaced about a round smartwatch with rotating bezel. It’s still a concept/patent application but the idea is actually interesting.



The design shows a rotating bezel—in this case, a ring that can be controlled by simple rotation. Tasks and To-Do’s are shown in a pie which makes it more fun to look at. It could just be one view though but we’re not sure.


Samsung is not new to the smartwatch market but it will only gain more competitors. Right now, it’s one of the forerunners in the industry. Apple might rival Samsung in this area but the Cupertino company has yet to release the Apple Watch and prove to the market that theirs is better.


A rotating bezel on a smartwatch is definitely new but some sports watches already have this kind of feature. The patent application was published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) this week. The document showed that this was submitted last February.


A new round smartwatch with a rotating bezel from Samsung , actually, from any manufacturer is nice. We’re not sure if Samsung will release such smartwatch but I don’t see any reason why not. We hope this one will arrive with the Galaxy S6 or as one of the new Gear watches. We’ll see.


VIA: Galaxy Club



Google shows off Black Friday/Cyber Monday Play Store deals

Black Friday is here again, the day when people all across the country lose their minds and have brawls in stores over items that are on sale. Google is participating in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shenanigans this year and you won't get punched in the mouth trying to take advantage of these deals.



Today through Monday Google is offering a $50 Play Store credit with the purchase of some devices. That means you buy the device and get a bunch of apps for free. The $50 credit comes with the purchase of a Nexus 6, Nexus 9, LG G Watch, LG G Watch R, Sony Smartwatch 3, Moto 360, Samsun Gear Live, and Asus ZenWatch.


That LG G Watch is on sale along with that $50 Goggle Play credit at a price of $99, it used to be $299. Chromecast is also on sale for $25, which saves you $10 off the normal price of the device.


If you have been eyeing a Nest Thermostat, this is the time to buy with the Nest gadget on sale for $199, it was $249 before. The Nexus 9 WiFi models are also on sale for $50 off. Sadly, some reports indicate that if you can order the Nexus 6, it isn’t shipping for 2-3 weeks.


SOURCE: Google Play


E-Labels Act signed, no need to display regulator logos

Your future gadgets will no longer bear the regulatory text usually found at the back. This is according to a new E-Labels Act that said products like tablets and smartphone could provide the needed information within the software of the device. No need to include the text and symbols because companies have been asking to save some more design space.



Removing this standard procedure will benefit the tech companies because it will also save them time and resources. However in Europe, law has not been changed yet so brands are still required to include the “CE” mark. The new law was passed in the US so it doesn’t apply in the European region. This means devices released in Europe must bear the CE logo.


How important are these logos anyway? These symbols are used to inform consumers that a product is compliant with the standards set in different countries. Environmental benchmarks and safety tests are conducted and must be met first to gain those important marks. In some countries, forging the marks can result to imprisonment or fine. Usually, you’ll see the FCC and CE marks to show the gadget complies with the standards. But with the increasing demand for smaller and smarter devices, companies are having a hard time including them to the design of the product and the packing itself.


The E-Label Act reads:



As devices become smaller, compliance with physical label requirements can become more difficult and costly.


Many manufacturers and consumers of licensed devices in the United States would prefer to have the option to provide or receive important Commission labelling information digitally on the screen of the device.



The solution now is to simply include the information on the software. Physical label requirements don’t make sense now because they can become costly and digital information is the way to go.


President Barack Obama signed the E-Label Act himself. The act is aimed to alleviate the need to display logos required by US authorities. Other logos by regulators must still be displayed though.


VIA: BBC



Sony updates Walkman, Movie Creator apps

Sony has just updated two major apps for Android. The WALKMAN app finally brings support for the Android Wear platform while the Movie Creator brings the manual creation feature.



The updated WALKMAN app (build 8.5.A.0.6) now allows music playback and control right from an Android Wear device. This means you can now play, pause, or stop a song playing from your smartwatch or any other compatible device running Android Wear, specifically the Sony SmartWatch. Downloading playlist to your Android Wear gadget is now also possible with the app update.


You can download the Walkman app update from HERE. File size is 15MB.

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The Sony Movie Creator app also received some changes in the build. From 2.1.A.0.7 it’s now 2.2.A.0.8. Total file size is only 8.7Mb and this already includes manual creation of movies. Click on the “Create” button found in the “Coming soon” page on your Sony Xperia phones.


The Movie Creator app makes short 30-second films of photos and videos stored on the Xperia camera. It’s an automatic movie maker that simply uses your snapshots together. This way, you don’t have to sort or cut clips because the app itself can do the job for you.


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VIA: Xperia Blog (1), (2)



Have some Black Friday dessert for your Thanksgiving [DEALS]

If you've had your fill of that sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner, it's probably time to kick back and relax with your favorite digital partner. But even your smartphone or your tablet deserves a bit of thanks this season, and what better way to do that than by splurging on some accessories for your faithful companion. To help you pick them out, here are some appetizing Black Friday deals at highly discounted prices. And to send you off with a bang, Android Community is offering a 10 percent off coupon on top of it all!



Get your game on with the NES30 Bluetooth Controller



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Mobile gaming, especially the button mashing kind, is so much more fun when there are buttons to mash. But this wireless controller offers more than just what other wireless controllers have. It gives you a piece of history in your hands. As the name suggests, the NES30 is meticulously designed to bring back the NES controller down to the finest detail, save for some extra buttons and Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The buttons are crisp and responsive, two words that gamers love to hear on their controllers, and they're reprogrammable too! As a bonus, the NES30 Bluetooth Controller also works with the Nintendo Wii, in addition to Android, iOS, and Windows devices.


Get the NES30 Bluetooth Controller for only $29.99, a 25% discount from $40.


Capture memories from high above with the DJI Phantom FC40 drone



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If you'd rather get up on your feet than slouch on the couch, then some sports action footage might just be your thing. And no one knows that better than DJI and its Phantom drones. But if you've never gotten your hands wet with drones before, then the DJI Phantom FC40 might just be the perfect drone for you. Built to be "the drone for everyone", this flying robot features easy to use controls, auto-piloting and auto-hover, to keep you from fretting over your mini camera crew in the sky. And you won't have to worry about having to choose the right camera either, as the Phantom FC40 comes with its own built-in Smart Camera capable of shooting 720p videos at 30 fps. It can even livestream its camera view from up to 980 feet away.


The DJI Phantom FC40 sells for $499 instead of $649, a sweet 23% deal, free shipping included.


Go to the extreme with the Extreme Micro Drone 2.0 drone




DJI is hardly the only drone game in town and there are a couple of choices in the market. If you're one of the more high-octane extreme action types, the Micro Drone 2.0 might sing to you better. Throw it like a frisbee. Throw it upside down. Throw it right side up. Whatever the direction or angle, the drone's self-righting algorithms and sensors will have it back to normal in no time. And its durable enough to withstand such torment. Unlike the bigger toys, the Micro Drone is small enough to fly indoors as well. The package comes with a 640 pixel Micro Camera that can swivel to cover any angle you like.


Like this mini monster? Get the Micro Drone 2.0 for only at 46% off for only $74.99, down from $139. It also comes with free global shipping.


Music delivered wet and wild with waterproof MIGHTY Bluetooth Speaker




If music is what sings to your soul, then you still have a rugged companion to keep you singing or dancing wherever you are. Take the MIGHTY Speaker with you anywhere you go, from the next room, to mountains, or even to the sea. Don't worry, it can handle it. MIGHTY is mighty not just in name but also in deed, as it is both waterproof and, for those beaches, sandproof as well. And don't panic if you drop it in the pool, accidentally or otherwise. It can float, too! And if it does sink, it can at least survive for 30 minutes under 1 meter of liquid, but better not let it stay there too long, unless you can listen to music under water.


From a regular price of $80, the MIGHTY Speaker is offered 56% off, now at only $35.


Keep the party in your pocket with the Pocket Kick Speaker



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If you have less extreme ambitions but still want to keep your tunes blaring wherever you go, Soundfreaq might have the ultimate portable solution for you. Introducing Pocket Kick, small yet terrific in sound. With a pair of custom engineered audio drivers, a passive radiator smack right down in the middle, and open air grills for maximum air flow, the Pocket Kick delivers an audio experience in a tiny package. How tiny? At only 5.9” x 2.5” x 1.2”, this smooth speaker can slide smoothly in and out your pocket or bag for a quick impromptu rave. Pocket Kick works with any device featuring Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm audio jack.


The Pocket Kick Speaker can be yours for $74.99, a 24% savings from $99.


Experience hassle-free listening with Feather Buds



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In case you're the type that prefers to keep the music to yourself, then you might opt for some earphones instead. TOCC's Feather Buds wireless earbuds aims to deliver quality audio experience without burdening your ears or your neck with its lightweight and tangle-free design. And just because they're earbuds doesn't mean you have to accept background noise as a fact of life. The noise canceling outer shell ensures that unwanted sounds are kept out while your favorite tunes stay in. With a Bluetooth range of 30 meters, you can also keep on jamming while doing your chores, while your phone or tablet lies safe and dry elsewhere.


Get the Wireless Feather Buds for only $24.99 with the 58% discount from its $60 retail price.


Get your step into the beat with SPBEAT9 Active Wrap Headphones



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Combining the best of both worlds of an active lifestyle and a music-loving soul, this Active Wrap headphones deliver music without wires, without noise, and without ripping your ears off like some earphones or headsets do when caught in a snag. The headphone's lightweight design lets you do all sorts of exercises without having to worry about them falling off. And its noise canceling technology also ensures that you won't be bothered by the grunts of everyone else working out around you. The battery is promised to last 10 hours of talk time or 8 hours of playback, which is plenty even for the most extreme workout session.


From $40, the Active Wrap headphones can now be yours less 51% for only $24.


Keep your phone alive with Limefuel LP200X 20,000 mAh battery



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After all those fun-filled, and maybe even sand-filled, activities, your smartphone will undoubtedly be on the verge of asphyxiation. Though there are many battery packs out there, few offer the punch needed to keep your phone or tablet alive for another round before heading for that wall socket. With a capacity of 20,000 mAh, the Limefuel LP200X definitely gives that punch, no questions asked. The two USB ports also allow you to charge two devices at the same time. And with a digital display, you won't be caught unaware when the battery pack itself is close to giving up the ghost.


Get the Limefuel LP200X 20,000 mAh battery pack for only $34.99. That's a 58% saving from the usual $85.


Craft your own apps with Android Programming training course



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You have undoubtedly come across an app or a feature that you wished you had but couldn't find an app for it on Android that calls to you. Why not try to write it instead? With this eLearning course, you can Learn and Master the Fundamentals of Android App Programming in no time. Delivered over 105 lectures and 9.5 hours of videos, the course takes you from start to finish in creating your dream Android app or game. Once purchased, the course is yours forever. And no previous programming knowledge is required. All you need is a computer and a web browser to get started.


For this promo, the $99 price tag is slashed by 80%, giving you Fundamentals of Android Programming for only $19.


Keep safe with 3-year VPN Unlimited Premium Plan



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This day and age, everyone is susceptible to getting hacked. That is why stronger security and privacy measures are all the more needed to keep your data and your person safe. One of the most popular ways to do this is through Virtual Private Networks or VPNs. VPN Unlimited's service offers worry-free and anonymous access to the Internet. Now you can connect to any website, regardless of region restriction. You can also rest assured that your activities are safe from prying eyes. And with the premium service, you get unlimited bandwidth and connection speed, even when connecting via VPN.


Normally a $65 offer, VPN Unlimited will give a 3-year premium access. This 70% discount is good for up to 5 devices, not just smartphones, but any computer as well.


But wait, there's more!


As a special Black Friday offer, Android Community is offering a discount coupon to our readers. Simply enter HAPPYBF10 when you checkout your items, as illustrated below, and you will get 10% off on top of the existing promo. Do note that the discount code will only work starting November 28 midnight PST and expires at 11:59 PM PST.



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Remeber, that's



HAPPYBF10



What you see above is just an appetizer of what you'll find in the new Android Community Deals Store! We will be bringing you the latest and exclusive deals on gadgets, accessories, and software to keep you and your Android smartphone or tablet company. But don't worry if the store is too much to take in all at once. We will be highlighting some of the juiciest ones each week. But do feel free to shop around. Who knows what you might find lurking in a hidden corner. Just click on the DEALS section of the Android Community web page or click on this link for direct access. Be sure to check out our Black Friday deals as well while they're still fresh. And leave your comments below and on each deal to let us known the kinds of deals you like and your suggestions for improving this experience.


Android Community Deals is brought to you in cooperation with StackSocial. Generated revenue helps fund this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial and are not representative of the opinions of the Android Community staff.