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lundi 22 août 2016

Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – August 22, 2016

Android 6.0 marshmallow logo DSC_0126

Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. "When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?" ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We're here to shed some light on the issue.

In this post, which will be updated frequently, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.

Before we start

The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex process, involving Google, chip makers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that could go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.

Just because your phone or tablet isn't listed here, it doesn't mean that it won't be updated. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.

Patience is advised.

android 6.0 marshmallowSee also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained58

Nexus Marshmallow update

Google released the initial Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update.

The following Nexus devices are receiving Marshmallow updates:

  • Nexus 6P
  • Nexus 5X
  • Nexus 6
  • Nexus Player
  • Nexus 9 LTE
  • Nexus 9 WiFi
  • Nexus 5
  • Nexus 7 2013 WiFi
  • Nexus 7 2013 Mobile

The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (either variant), and Nexus 10 will not be updated to Marshmallow.

If you don't want to wait, it's relatively easy to flash a factory image following our guide:

You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which are the update files that would normally be pushed to your device from Google's servers. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link.

The latest factory images and OTA links are listed below.

Rollout underway

Nexus 6P

Nexus 5X

Pixel C

Nexus 6

Nexus Player

Nexus 9 LTE

Nexus 9 WiFi

Nexus 5

Nexus 7 2013 WiFi

Nexus 7 2013 Mobile

Android One Marshmallow update

Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. OTA download files for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below. You will need to be on the LMY48M version of Lollipop in order to install these updates.

If you're looking for full Android 6.0 factory images, we have the following:

To flash these images, you can follow our manual installation guide.

On November 22, an over the air update to version 6.0.1 of Android began hitting some Android One devices. The update appears to be a bug fixing release.

Samsung Marshmallow update

Samsung has announced the kick-off of its Marshmallow update campaign on February 15. The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge were the only devices officially confirmed to receive the update, but the following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

  • Galaxy S5
  • Galaxy S5 LTE-A
  • Galaxy S5 neo
  • Galaxy S6
  • Galaxy S6 Edge
  • Galaxy S6 Edge+
  • Galaxy Note 4
  • Galaxy Note Edge
  • Galaxy Note 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we're pretty that Marshmallow will eventually become available for most versions of these devices.

Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features coming in its Marshmallow update. For more details on what to expect from the Marshmallow update for the Galaxy S6, here's our close look at the beta.

Rollout underway

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

Samsung Galaxy A9

Samsung Galaxy A5

Samsung Galaxy Tab A

Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo

  • June 28 – Europe: The Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo is receiving Marshmallow in several European countries.

Samsung Galaxy On7

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Samsung Galaxy Tab S

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)

Samsung Galaxy A7 (1st gen)

Samsung Galaxy A8

More info

December 4 – Hungary: A Galaxy Note 4 user in Hungary received Android 6.0 Marshmallow on his device. A screenshot gallery and hands-on video of Marshmallow on the Note 4 are available. The most notable feature spotted in this non-final firmware build is the new Air Command from the Note 5, as well as the ability to write on the screen when the phone is sleeping.

December 28: one lucky Galaxy S5 owner ended up receiving the update to Marshmallow, reportedly by mistake.

An alleged roadmap for the Marshmallow update for Samsung devices leaked out on March 2. While we can't vouch for its authenticity, the leak claims the Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge will be updated in April, the Galaxy S5 in May, and the Galaxy Alpha in June.

LG Marshmallow update

October 6: According to a leaked T-Mobile update list, besides the LG G4, the LG G3 and G4 Stylo will also receive the update. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We're less optimistic about LG's mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.

Rollout underway

LG G4

  • October 15 – Poland: LG announced it would be the first OEM to roll out Android Marshmallow, with the LG G4 model sold in Poland to be first in line, with models in other "markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas" to follow.
  • November 4 – South Korea: The LG G4 models sold in South Korea began receiving the Marshmallow update.
  • November 29 – Europe & Taiwan: the Android 6.0 update reportedly became available in several European countries, via the LG Bridge PC sync software. These regions are: Portugal, Poland, Romania, GErmany, Spain, Turkey, UK, Croatia, Hungary, and Switzerland. The update is also available in Taiwan. Note that not all carrier versions are available. Even if you are not in one of these countries, it's worth firing up LG Bridge to check for an update manually.
  • December 18 – US – Sprint: Sprint users of the LG G4 began receiving Marshmallow on December 18.
  • January 12 – US – US Cellular: Android 6.0 Marshmallow arrived to the LG G4 on US Cellular.
  • February 2 – Canada – Telus & Rogers: The Marshmallow update hit the G4 sold by Canadian carriers Telus and Rogers.
  • February 6 – US – T-Mobile: Marshmallow began trickling out for the G4 carried by T-Mobile.
  • February 9 – US – AT&T: The G4 sold by AT&T got Marshmallow on February 9.
  • February 16 – US – Verizon: The Big Red carrier released Marshmallow for the LG G4.

LG G3

LG G Stylo

  • March 8 – US – T-Mobile: Android 6.0 arrived for the T-Mobile LG G Stylo.

LG V10

LG G Pad X

LG Magna

LG Spirit

Motorola Marshmallow update

Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It's not that Motorola hasn't been forthcoming about its plans; it's the fact that those plans seemingly don't include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).

On December 9, it was revealed that Motorola would update certain versions of the Moto E (2015). Specifically, the update will roll out to the Snapdragon 410 powered versions in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, excluding China. The US is not on the list where the update will be available.

Here are the Motorola devices officially confirmed to receive Marshmallow:

  • 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
  • 2015 Moto X Play
  • 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
  • Moto E (2015) – Snapdragon version
  • 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
  • 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
  • DROID Turbo
  • 2014 Moto MAXX
  • 2014 Moto Turbo
  • Nexus 6

Rollout underway

Moto X Pure (Style)

  • December 2 – International: Motorola announced that Moto X Pure (2015 edition) users in Moto's feedback program have begun receiving the soak test Android 6.0 update. If all goes to plan, the update should hit the general population in a week from December 2.
  • December 9 – US – Verizon, AT&T, Sprint & U.S. Cellular: Motorola announced that Marshmallow is rolling out to Moto X Pure users on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and U.S. Cellular.
  • December 9 – Latin America: The update is also coming to the Moto X Style in Latin America.

Moto X Play

Moto E (2015)

  • February 18 – India: The Moto E (2015) sold in India received its Android 6.0 update.

Moto G (2015) & Moto G Turbo

Droid Turbo 2

Droid Maxx 2

Moto X (2014)

  • November 12 – Brazil: Motorola kicked off the Android 6.0 rollout for the Moto X (2014). The first markets where the OTA is available are Brazil and India.
  • December 16 – India: The Marshmallow update for the Moto X (2014) began rolling out in India on December 16
  • December 17 – Europe: The update began rolling out in European markets.
  • December 22 – International: The Moto X Pure Edition (2014) received Android 6.0 Marshmallow in numerous international markets.

Moto G (2014)

  • February 10 – India: The Moto G (2014) in India got Marshmallow from February 10.
  • March 1 – United States: The Moto G (2nd generation) got its upgrade to Android 6.0.

Moto 360 (2nd gen)

  • February 6 – International: How about some Marshmallow for your watch? Yup, Motorola send out the Android 6.0-based Android Wear update to the Moto 360 (2nd gen).

Moto Turbo

HTC Marshmallow update

HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0:

  • HTC One M8
  • HTC One M9+
  • HTC One E9+
  • HTC One E9
  • HTC One ME
  • HTC One E8
  • HTC One M8 EYE
  • HTC Butterfly 3
  • HTC Desire 826
  • HTC Desire 820
  • HTC Desire 816

After the launch of the One A9, HTC announced the unlocked version of the device will receive "every" Android update within 15 days from the time the update hits the Nexus devices. That's a very bold promise, and hopefully it's a sign of bigger things to come.

Rollout underway

HTC One M9

  • December 7 – International: Mo Versi revealed that the Marshmallow update would hit the unlocked version of the One M9 this month.
  • December 13 – Canada – Carrier models: It was revealed that Canadian carrier versions of the One M9 will get Marshmallow in early 2016.
  • December 24 – International: The HTC One M9 (unlocked models) would get its update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. 
  • January 17 – Canada – Rogers, SaskTel, VideoTron & Wind: HTC announced that Rogers, SaskTel, VideoTron, and Wind in Canada would see Android Marshmallow hit the One M9.
  • January 18 – UK: HTC announced the HTC One M9 would get its Android Marshmallow shortly.
  • February 6 – US – Sprint: HTC One M9 offered users the chance to update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
  • February 6 – US – Verizon: Big Red offered the Marshmallow update for the M9 on February 16.
  • April 30 – US – AT&T: HTC One M8 & M9 suffer Marshmallow roll-out delay on AT&T
  • May 12 – US – AT&T: The HTC One M9 and M8 receive the Marshmallow update at last

HTC One M8

HTC One A9

HTC Desire 816

  • March 4 – International: Marshmallow began hitting international Desire 816 models.
  • March 21 – International: The update is hitting dual-SIM versions of the device.

HTC Desire Eye

HTC One M8 Eye

HTC Desire 820

HTC One E8

Sony Marshmallow update

Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won't bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs.

As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon.

Sony devices officially confirmed to get Marshmallow:

  • T Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
  • Xperia Z4 Tablet
  • Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
  • Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
  • Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4

A note for users of the Sony Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5: according to a Sony support page, these devices will jump straight to Android 6.0, skipping Android 5.1.1.

Here's an official Sony video showcasing the features you can expect from the Marshmallow update for your Xperia device:

Beta program

Rollout underway

Sony Xperia Z5

  • March 3 – Japan: The Marshmallow update began rolling out to the Xperia Z5 in Japan.
  • March 7 – International: The Marshmallow update for the Xperia Z5 came through in more markets on March 7.
  • March 28 – Canada: Sony pulled the Marshmallow update it released for Canadian versions of the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact just three days before.

Sony Xperia Z3 Plus

  • March 7 – International: the update kicked off for the Xperia Z3 Plus.

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

Sony Xperia Z3 & Z3 Compact

Sony Xperia Z2

Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua

Huawei Marshmallow update

Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. The company announced in would bring Marshmallow to the following devices:

  • Huawei Mate S
  • Huawei Mate 7
  • Huawei P8
  • P8 Youth Edition
  • P8 Max
  • Maimagn 4
  • G7 Plus
  • G7
  • Honor 7
  • Honor 7i
  • Honor 6 Plus
  • Honor 6
  • Honor X2
  • Honor 4X
  • Honor Play 4C

Rollout underway

Huawei Mate 7

Honor 5X

Honor devices

  • October 28: The Honor team, which is technically autonomous inside Huawei, recently announced that a beta build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the honor 7 will be made available in the following weeks.
  • December 4: Honor put up a form allowing honor users to sign up for the Marshmallow beta program. You can check the form here.
  • December 14: The Honor 7 Enhanced Edition launched with Marshmallow on board on December 14.
  • January 16: Honor announced that the 5X would receive Marshmallow and regular security patches, though no exact timeframe was given. Considering Huawei (and by extension, Honor) have a poor history with updates, this is a welcome announcement.
  • February 15: The Honor 7 will received the Marshmallow update within two weeks, honor announced.
  • March 27 – Europe: The Honor 7 is now receiving Marshmallow in European markets.
  • April 22 – Android Marshmallow heading to the Honor 5X 'soon'

ZTE Marshmallow update

Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.

Rollout underway

OnePlus Marshmallow update

OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik's outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus's own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team.

November 16: OnePlus announced a timeframe for its devices updates:

  • The original OnePlus One will get Cyanogen OS 13 (from Cyanogen OS) in Q1 2016.
  • The semi-official Oxygen OS build for OnePlus One will be updated to Marshmallow when "time allows it."
  • The OnePlus 2 will receive the update to the Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS version in Q1 2016.
  • No information was given about the Marshmallow update for the new OnePlus X.

Rollout underway

OnePlus 2

OnePlus One

Asus Marshmallow update

Asus came out with a short list of devices that will get the Marshmallow update:

  • PadFone S (PF500KL)
  • ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML/ZE551ML)
  • ZenFone 2 Deluxe / Special Edition (ZE551ML)
  • ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KG/ZE500KL/ZE550KL/ZE600KL/ZE601KL)
  • ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL)

Missing from the list are the original Zefone 4, 5, and 6, as well as other Asus devices from 2014.

February 27: Asus clarified that the devices from the above list will get Marshmallow from Q2 (April to June). The good news is Asus added two new devices to its update list: ZenFone Selfie and ZenFone Max. The company also specified that the update will see Asus' own messenging, calendar, and mail app be replaced by Google's respective apps.

Rollout underway

Asus ZenFone 2 Laser

Asus ZenFone Max

  • June 8 – International: Marshmallow arrived for the Asus Zenfone Max

Asus ZenFone Selfie

Asus ZenFone Zoom

Lenovo Marshmallow update

Lenovo finally announced some of its Marshmallow plans on November 6, but the good news ends there. Lenovo only confirmed the update for a handful of devices, and the timeframe for the rollout is painfully long:

  • Lenovo A7000, A7000 Plus, and K3 Note – update expected by September 2016
  • Lenovo Vibe P1 and Vibe S1 – update expected by June 2016

On December 3, news about Lenovo's Marshmallow plans surfaced online. The following devices are expected to receive Marshmallow:

China:

  • K3 Note – March-April 2016
  • Vibe X3 – March-April 2016
  • Vibe P1 – March 2016
  • A7000 – April 2016

Rest of the world:

  • K3 Note – March 2016
  • A7000 – April 2016
  • Vibe P1  – May 2016
  • Vibe S1 – June 2016
  • Vibe X3 – July 2016
  • A7000+ – July 2016

Rollout underway

Lenovo K3 Note

Lenovo Vibe S1

Lenovo K4 Note

BlackBerry Marshmallow update

BlackBerry only released one Android device to date, and a fast Marshmallow update isn't a priority for the company. The BlackBerry Priv will receive Android 6.0 "sometime into the new year."

Nvidia Marshmallow update

Rollout underway

Nvidia Shield Tablet K1

  • November 17: Nvidia relaunched the Shield Tablet as the Shield Tablet K1. The revamped model runs Lollipop, just like its predecessor, but Nvidia promised an update to Android 6.0 "in the coming months."
  • December 15: Nvidia showed off Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on the Shield Tablet K1. The update could roll out ahead of the holidays.
  • December 21: The Shield Tablet K1 Marshmallow update would arrive, though the older Shield tablet variant was not included in this rollout.

Original Nvidia Shield Tablet

Nvidia Shield Android TV

Xiaomi Marshmallow update

On December 4, Xiaomi's MIUI operations manager announced on Weibo that Marshmallow would hit the Xiaomi Mi 4 and Xiaomi Mi Note "soon," via an MIUI update.

June 2: Xiaomi's Marshmallow-flavored MIUI 8 beta goes live

Rollout underway

Xiaomi Mi 4

Micromax & Yu Marshmallow update

Alcatel

Custom (unofficial) Marshmallow ROMs

When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.

More info and discussion

For a discussion on all the Android Marshmallow updates, check out the dedicated thread on the Android Authority forums.fds

Missed something? Let us know and we will update this post. Tell us your thoughts!



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dimanche 21 août 2016

Sony enters the Android Auto race with the $499.99 XAV-AX100 audio system

XAV-AX100_Front_Sony_MusicFile_Playback

Famous for its audio products, Sony has been staying out of the Android Auto race, but that doesn't mean they were not planning a glorious entrance. The Japanese manufacturer has just announced the XAV-AX100 audio system, which is set to cost $499.99.

XAV-AX100_Angle_Sony_Home_Blue-230x150This far undercuts most of the competition. The cheapest of the latest Pioneer units start at $700, and even the older Kenwood ones go for over $600. Sony not only offers a lower price, but also quality. The XAV-AX100 features four 55-watt Dynamic Reality Amp 2 and wht they call "EXTRA BASS". This is said to produce "clear sound and punchy bass". If it's not enough, you can also expand by connecting more amplifiers, thanks to its 3-pre out connectivity support.

There is one very interesting bit Sony also mentions – the system is compatible with Android Auto 2. What is Android Auto 2? We are not quite sure, but they may be referring to the improvements Google announced at this year's IO.

These include wireless connections, car manufacturer apps, Waze navigation, hotword support, using your phone as an Android Auto device and more. We are not sure if that is what they are talking about, though, so don't quote us on that just yet.

Interested? The Sony XAV-AX100 will be hitting North America in late November. Once again, it is priced at $499.99. Are any of you signing up for it?



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The Superbook Kickstarter campaign concludes with nearly $3 million in funding; now it’s time to deliver

best-kickstarter-july-superbook

Much hype has surrounded Andronium's recent attempts at making a laptop dock q for Android smartphones. The idea was simple – this shell uses your smartphone's power and Andronium OS to offer a computing experience that may be enough to replace a traditional laptop. The team took the concept to Kickstarter and now they have concluded the campaign with over 16,000 supporters and nearly $3 million in funding.

What comes next? Now we just need to wait for Andronium to deliver all its promises come January/February of 2017. These guys have a lot of computers to ship. And as you may know, even successful campaigns like this one can be a bit of a gamble.

There is a lot that goes into launching a new product, and sometimes even all that money isn't enough to bring one to life. We have seen successful campaigns go down the drain in the past. These include the POP charger, which had to be canceled and backers were refunded.

Those who supported the Montrex Watch Project were less fortunate after the company decided to pull the plug and leave backers stranded. More recently, Skully had to shut its doors, leaving thousands of backers with no helmets and very possibly no money back (those helmets costed $1,500 each!). It's a mess out there, and we aren't even taking into account the endless amount of scammers out there, trying to make money out of tech enthusiasts with false promises.

superbook-2

Now, we are not saying this will be the case for the Superbook, but we do believe Andronium will have to work very hard to deliver the $99 computer to all its backers. Sometimes manufacturing costs are higher than believed, as was the case with the Leviatr keyboard (another failed, and funded, Kickstarter campaign). But let's take a look at what Andronium is promising here.

The campaign originally promised a laptop that took the power of your smartphone and turned it into a desktop-like experience. This laptop is to come with an 11.6-inch HD screen, over 8 hours of battery life, a nice multi-touch trackpad and support for both regular microUSB and USB type-C.

Superbook Demo from Andromium Inc. on Vimeo.

Then there are the stretch goals (all achieved): 

  • 150K: Major International Language Keyboard Decals FREE
  • 300K: Extra USB Port – Full Size Type A FREE
  • 500K: Bigger Battery – 8hr+ to 10hr+ FREE
  • 1M: 1080p Option ($30 added cost upgrade)
  • 1.5M: Customized Superbook Sleeves w/ Pockets for Smartphone FREE
  • 2M: Solid Color Skin for the Superbook FREE
  • 2.5M: Backlit Keys + 1080p option ($55 added cost upgrade)

After doing some math with numbers coming from the Kickstarter page, we figure they will have to ship nearly 18,000 computers. All by the beginning of next year. Is it possible? Well, they have almost $3 million to play around with and are hiring plenty of engineers to get the job done.

We say it is very likely, but building almost 18,000 computers does cost a lot, especially considering you paid somewhere around the $100 range per unit. The trick here is that there are very few expensive parts that come into making it. It has no processor, RAM, GPU, etc. The most expensive parts are probably the screen, keyboard and battery.

superbook-1

In a nutshell, there is probably a lot of pressure on them and their goal was left in the dust, probably because the company wasn't expecting this much demand. The goal was set at only $50,000. Let's hope they are able to handle all the extra business they weren't expecting.

How many of you signed backed the Superbook Kickstarter project?



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Batman themed Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Injustice Edition leaked

samsung-galaxy-note-7-injustice-edition-2

Excited about the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Injustice Edition? The phone is a great addition to your Batman collection, but maybe you need something a little… bigger. We have just come across some leaked images that prove the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 may be getting the same treatment.

thumb galaxy note 7 review aa (1 of 1)See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 review98

These photos showcase what seems like a Batman-themed Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Injustice Edition. It has the same jet black color and golden highlights, along with a gold Batman logo in the back. In addition, users will be able to enjoy a special Batman theme based off the Injustice: Gods Among Us game.

Now, when and where can you get this batty phone? If the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge verison serves as a precedent, it certainly won't be cheap. That device is priced at a whopping 1.199 million won, which translates to about $1,035 USD. The Note 7 is more expensive than the Galaxy S7 Edge, so the same should be the case for these Injustice Editions. In summary, be ready to pay a pretty penny.

samsung-galaxy-note-7-injustice-edition-1

Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Injustice Edition can only be purchased in China. It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Edge Injustice Edition could be seeing the same fate. It is said this Note 7 could come with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, a configuration currently exclusive to the Chinese market.

Only time will tell us the details. Be sure we will keep our sonars ready for any other details to come. How much would you pay for one of these?



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Crowdfunding project of the week: Shoka Bell for bicyclists

shoka-2

We are back with another 'Crowdfunding project of the week', where we highlight the coolest tech gadgets featured on sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Are you ready for this week's campaign? Let's jump right in.

Other featured projects:

This time around we are taking a look at the Shoka Bell, an accessory that will prove to be very useful and improve security for bicycle riders. The concept is very simple; this is intended to be a magnet-mounted bell that does a bit more than a traditional bike accessory.

For starters, it has multiple types of bell sounds. These can be activated with an integrated joystick. Some sounds are meant for pedestrians, being much more subtle, while other louder noises are inteded for cars. You can have 8 different tones at all times, and it's simple download new ones using the app. The company claims the Shoka Bell can be twice as loud as a traditional bell, so chances are you will be heard.

shoka-nav

Another great feature is a simple navigation system. Just connect your smartphone and initiate navigation. You can avoid dangerous intersections, hills and other biking inconveniences. The Shoka Bell will display arrows telling you where to go. It is very simple and clean, as well as much less distracting than actually mounting a smartphone.

It also has a front light to make you more visible, 200 hours of battery life (wow!) and a theft motion detector. You will know if somebody moves your bike. And there will be an alert if the bike is within 250 meters from your position. Furthermore, the app will give you the bike's last seen location.

There is a bit of a downside, though. The Android app is not ready yet, but the team says they are working hard on getting this taken care of. Estimated delivery is set for March 2017, so chances are it will be ready by then.

We believe it's a nice little tool to keep your riding safer. There are still some early bird special spots, meaning you can get it for as low as $99. Wait more and the minimum price may go up to $119. Who's signing up for this one?

See Shoka Bell on Kickstarter


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Lifestage is Facebook’s creepy new app for teens

Screen Shot 2016-08-21 at 16.17.22iTunes

Facebook really wants you to know that Facebook is not sooo 2004. First it was Instagram's Stories that mimicked Snapchat. Now the social networking giant has launched a completely separate app called Lifestage that does what Snapchat does, except Lifestage basically lets teens creep other teens that they don't even know.

Facebook introduced Instagram Stories earlier this month and faced some criticism for copying Snapchat. Just like Snapchat, it allows users to post a slideshow of your favorite moments, which disappears after 24 hours. And it even lets you add drawings or stickers, just like Snapchat.

Instagram-for-Android-1-1-2-Now-Available-for-DownloadSee also: Facebook steals Snapchat "story" feature for Instagram4

Facebook's brand new app, Lifestage, is the latest attempt at proving that yes, Facebook can capture the new generation that uses Snapchat for chat, Venmo for money, and Tinder for dates. I mean, it even has an age restriction. That's right – if you're over 22, then you can't even see other people's profiles.

Lifestage is basically an app that lets you create your profile using photos and videos: things you like, things you dislike, your facial expressions, your best friends etc. If 20 or more people from one school sign up, then that school is "unlocked," meaning you can discover video profiles created by others in your school.

All of this is clearly a part of Facebook's attempt to become more video-centric. Mark Zuckerberg has emphasized over and over again how important video consumption will become in the near future, and it seems like Facebook's attempt at all-things-video domination is far from being over. But I'm not sure if Lifestage will successfully deliver the message.

Under the app description, Facebook warns:

Everything you post in Lifestage is always public and viewable by everyone, inside and outside your school. There is no way to limit the audience of your videos. We can't confirm that people who claim to go to a certain school actually go to that school. All videos you upload to your profile are fully public content.

Sound a bit worrisome? When you are putting your face, your personal information, and your life on display, it's not very reassuring to read that people that you don't even know can view your profile. In other words, whether it's a high school or a university, this app essentially allows 20-something-year-olds to creep one another. Plus, not to sound too unkind on humanity, but anyone could easily fake their profile to prey upon adolescents.

Video platforms mean huge potential, I know, and Instagram may be heading the right direction, but I'm not so sure about Lifestage. From a 22-year-old guy's perspective, Facebook trying so hard to prove that it is hip makes it look… not hip.

Lifestage is currently only available for iOS devices, but we will be sure to let you know when it lands on Android!

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Xiaomi to make a big splash in Apple’s backyard

Xiaomi Mi 4S-9

Xiaomi's no longer just a startup. Known as the Apple of China, China's largest privately funded startup is preparing to enter the US market, according to Bloomberg.

Even just a few years ago, Xiaomi was simply an unknown company outside China. And what took off as a startup became one of the top three smartphone makers in 2014. With its beautifully-crafted handsets that cost less than $400, it makes sense that Xiaomi saw the huge success it did.

One inconvenience for the majority of consumers across the world is that Xiaomi's primary markets are limited to China, India, and Indonesia. Well, according to the company's Vice President Hugo Barra, the Beijing-based company may add the US to its list "in the near future."

The U.S. is a market that we definitely have in our sights. We will lead with social media, with the channels that allow us to get in touch with the young generation that are enthusiastic about new technology. We are definitely going there.

Xiaomi's US launch has been talked about for quite some time now. Back in June, the company announced a partnership deal with Microsoft in which it cross-licensed some 1,500 patents that could help with its US expansion. And Xiaomi's Mi Store already offers various non-smartphone products in the US.

It makes sense that Xiaomi is eyeing on the highly lucrative US market. It's facing some stiff competition from fellow Chinese manufacturers back home, with reports estimating a 38% year-over-year decrease in its smartphone shipments in China this past quarter.

However, breaking into the heavily-saturated US market may be challenging for Xiaomi. The market is dominated by Samsung and Apple, and most smartphone sales happen through carriers. For a company like Xiaomi that operates mainly via online retails, limited experience with carrier distribution could pose as a huge obstacle.

Xiaomi knows this, and that's why it is so cautious when it comes to the US market:

The U.S. is a very important market for any consumer electronics and lifestyle brand, certainly for us as well. Obviously we've got to time things carefully.

Although it is reported that Xiaomi will bring another non-smartphone product to the US in October, its smartphones probably won't make their debut until next year. So "near future" probably doesn't mean that soon, unfortunately.

Xiaomi Mi PaySee also: Xiaomi unveils Mi Pay mobile payment service15

Would you consider getting a Xiaomi phone when it launches in the US? Let us know in the comments below!



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